Nana Ama
- Gender
- Girl
- Origin
- 🇬🇭 Ghana
- Religion
- Traditional
- First Seen
- traditional
- Trait
- Regal
Meaning & Etymology
Queen born on Saturday
The name 'Nana Ama' is derived from two Akan words: 'Nana' meaning 'Queen' or 'Grandmother' and 'Ama' meaning 'born on Saturday'. It is a name that signifies royalty and the day of birth, which is significant in Akan culture.
Cultural Context
Queen born on Saturday
Etymology
The name is composed of ‘Nana’ (meaning ‘king’ or ‘queen’) and ‘Ama’ (a name often given to a child born on Saturday, derived from ‘Ame’).
Linguistic family: Niger-Congo > Atlantic-Congo > Kwa > Potou-Tano > Tano > Central Tano > Akan
In Akan culture, ‘Nana’ is a title of respect for chiefs and elders, while ‘Ama’ reflects the day of the week the child is born, which is significant in Akan naming traditions.
Symbolism
The name ‘Nana Ama’ symbolises leadership and the special significance of being born on a Saturday, which is associated with the deity associated with the day, Nana Ama.
Naming ceremony
The Akan naming ceremony, called ‘outdooring’, typically occurs on the eighth day after birth. The child is formally named and introduced to the community, with rituals that include pouring of libations and blessings from family elders.