Yaa (name)

Yaa is a feminine given name originating from the Akan day naming system, meaning born on a Thursday.[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.[2] People born on particular days are supposed to exhibit the characteristics or attributes and philosophy, associated with the days. Yaa has the appellation Busuo or Seandze meaning brave. Thus, females named Yaa are supposed to be brave.[2][3]

Yaa
GenderFemale
Origin
Word/nameAshanti people
Meaningborn on a Thursday
Region of origin Ashanti
Empire of Ashanti
Other names
Related namesYaw

Origin and meaning of Yaa

In the Akan culture, day names are known to be derived from deities. Yaa is originated from Yawoada and known as the Day of reproduction.[2][3][4] Females born on Thursday are courageous and aggressive in a warlike manner. They tend to be guarded, judgemental and appear to be ungrateful.[2][3]

Female variants of Yaa

Day names in Ghana have varying spellings. This is so because of the various Akan subgroups. Each Akan subgroup has a similar or different spelling for the day name to other Akan subgroups.[5] Yaa is spelt Yaa by the Akuapem and Ashanti subgroups whiles Fante subgroups use the name Aba.[5][6]

Male version of Yaa

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 Thursday Yaw.[2][5][6]

Notable people with the name

People with this name include:

See also

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