Sosu
- Gender
- Girl
- Origin
- 🇬🇭 Ghana
- Religion
- Traditional
- First Seen
- —
- Trait
- Traditional
Meaning & Etymology
Born on Saturday
Born on Saturday
Etymology
The name ‘Sosu’ is derived from the Dagbani word ‘Soda’, meaning Saturday, combined with the suffix ‘-su’ which is used to denote the day of birth.
Linguistic family: Niger-Congo > Atlantic-Congo > Gur > Oti-Volta > Western Oti-Volta > Gurma > Dagbani
Cultural context
In Dagomba culture, a person’s day of birth is significant and often influences their name. ‘Sosu’ reflects the importance of the day Saturday in the traditional calendar and the associated cultural beliefs.
Symbolism
The name ‘Sosu’ symbolises the day of the week the individual was born, carrying with it the cultural and spiritual significance associated with Saturdays in Dagomba tradition.
Naming ceremony
The Dagomba naming ceremony, known as ‘Chu Chu’, typically takes place on the eighth day after birth. The child is given a name that reflects the day of the week they were born, among other considerations.