Abena

Abena is an Indian (Gujarati) surname; the Gujarati અબેના (Abēnā) possibly came from the Arabic name أبين (Abyan). As a given name, it is a girl's name of Ghanaian origin and means born on Tuesday.[1] Day names are a cultural practice of the Akan people of Ghana. Although some might believe it is mostly practised by Ashanti people, it is actually practised by all Akan (i.e. all the various Akan subgroups) people who follow traditional customs.[1] People born on particular days are supposed to exhibit the characteristics or attributes and philosophy, associated with the days. Abena has the appellation Kosia or Nimo, meaning friendliness. Thus, females named Abena are supposed to be friendly.[1][2]

Abena
GenderFemale
Origin
Word/nameAkan people
Meaningborn on a Tuesday
Region of origin Ashanti
Empire of Ashanti
Other names
Related names

Origin and meaning of Abena

In the Akan culture, day names are known to be derived from deities. Abena is originated from Koyabenada and from the Lord of Life’s Land deity of the day Tuesday.[3] Females born on Tuesday tend to be nurturing and achieve a balance between strength and compassion.[3][2]

Female variants of Abena

Day names in Ghana have varying spellings, because of the various Akan subgroups. Each Akan subgroup has a similar or different spelling for the day name to other Akan subgroups.[4][5] The spelling Abena is used by the Akuapem, Ashanti and Fante subgroups.[4]

Male version of Abena

In the Akan culture and other local cultures in Ghana, day names come in pairs for males and females. The variant of the name used for a male child born on Tuesday Kwabena.[4]

Notable people with surname Abena

Notable people with given name

References
  1. "The Sociolinguistic of Akan Personal Names". ResearchGate. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  2. "The Akan Day Names and Their Embedded Ancient Symbolism". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  3. Konadu, Kwasi (2012). "The Calendrical Factor in Akan History". International Journal of African Historical Studies. 45: 217–246.
  4. "'Day born names' in Dagbani, Ewe and Fante". GhanaWeb. 2019-11-09. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  5. Kamunya, Mercy (2018-10-19). "Akan names and their meanings". Yen.com.gh - Ghana news. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
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