Akan Day Names and Meanings

Vocabulary practice exploring Akan day names (Kradin), their traditional meanings, deity associations, and gender-specific appellations.

Dwoada

The Akan word for Monday.

Benada

The Akan word for Tuesday.

Wukuada

The Akan word for Wednesday.

Yawoada

The Akan word for Thursday.

Fiada

The Akan word for Friday.

Memeneda

The Akan word for Saturday; it means "I am what I am."

Kwasiada

The Akan word for Sunday, which was introduced by white people for Sunday worship.

Bonsam

The Twi term for Satan.

Kra Din

The term used for a "Day name" in the Akan naming tradition.

Akan Naming Tradition

A tradition where names are derived from the day of the week a person is born, with each day associated with a specific deity.

Monday (Kwadwo/Adwoa)

Associated with God and the deity Adwo; meanings include Coolness and Peace.

Tuesday (Kwabena/Abena)

Meanings include Fire, Mourning, Wailing, Friendly, and Strong; traditionally associated with mourning if someone is not crying.

Wednesday (Kwaku/Akua)

Meaning "Punishes evildoers"; the lesson is to do good to others.

Thursday (Yaw/Yaa)

Associated with the meanings of Bravery and Strength.

Friday (Kofi/Afua)

Meanings include Wandering and Traveling; Friday-born people are believed to pave the way.

Saturday (Kwame/Ama)

Meanings include Creation and Satisfaction; associated with the phrase "I come with goodies."

Sunday (Kwasi/Akosua)

Meanings include Emptiness, Agility, and Spiritual; associated with the deity Awusi.

Afi

A term meaning "to come out."

Okoto / Akoto

The male and female appellations, respectively, for Monday-borns (Kwadwo/Adwoa).

Ogyam / Gyammaa

Male and female appellations for Tuesday-borns (Kwabena/Abenaa), reflecting friendliness and strength.

Odaakuo / Dompo

Appellations associated with Wednesday-borns (Kwaku/Akua); meanings include "Evil" in the transcript context.

Preko / Prekowaa

The male and female appellations for Thursday-borns (Yaw/Yaa), meaning Brave.

Kyin / Kyinmaa

The male and female appellations for Friday-borns (Kofi/Afia), meaning Wanderer.

Atoapoma / Atoapema

Appellations for Saturday-borns (Kwame/Amma); meanings include Combat-ready, Snakebite, Herbalist, and Grace.

Bodua / Awusi

The male and female appellations for Sunday-borns (Kwasi/Akosua).