Kaku

Meaning & Etymology

Born on Tuesday

Born on Tuesday

Etymology

The name ‘Kaku’ is derived from the Dagbani word for Tuesday, which is ‘Kakube’.

Linguistic family: Niger-Congo > Atlantic-Congo > Gur > Oti-Volta > Western Oti-Volta > Gurma > Dagbani

Cultural context

In Dagomba culture, children are often named based on the day of the week they are born. ‘Kaku’ signifies a child born on a Tuesday, which is considered a significant day in the traditional Dagomba calendar.

Symbolism

The name ‘Kaku’ symbolises the day of the week the child was born and is believed to influence the child’s character and destiny.

Naming ceremony

The Dagomba naming ceremony, known as ‘Chuɣu’, typically takes place on the eighth day after the child’s birth. During this ceremony, the child is officially named and introduced to the community.

Related names

• Esi (Wednesday)
• Yawoada (Thursday)
• Fiifi (Friday)
• Memuna (Saturday)