Yaw (name)

Yaw is a masculine given name originating from the Akan people and their day naming system, meaning born on a Thursday in Akan language, following their day naming system.[1] People born on particular days are supposed to exhibit the characteristics or attributes and philosophy, associated with the days. Yaw has the appellation "Preko" or "Opereba" meaning brave.[2][3]

Yaw
GenderMale
Origin
Word/nameAkan people
Meaningborn on a Thursday
Region of origin Ashanti
Empire of Ashanti
Other names
Related names

Origin and meaning of Yaw

In the Akan culture, day names are known to be derived from deities. Yaw originated from Yawoada the Day of Reproduction.[2][4] Males named Yaw are known to be courageous and aggressive in a warlike manner (preko). They tend to be guarded, judgemental and appear to be ungrateful.[2][4]

Male variants of Yaw

Day names in Ghana vary in spelling among the various Akan subgroups. The name is spelt Yaw by the Akuapem, Ashanti and Fante subgroups.[5]

Female version of Yaw

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 female child born on Thursday is Yaa.[1][2][3]

Notable people with the name

Most Ghanaian children have their cultural day names in combination with their English or Christian names. Some notable people with such names are:

  • Yaw Antwi (born 1985), Ghanaian footballer playing in Serbia
  • Yaw Amankwah Mireku (born 1979), Ghanaian footballer
  • Yaw Asante (born 1991), Ghanaian footballer playing in Italy
  • Yaw Berko (born 1980), Ghanaian footballer playing in Tanzania
  • Yaw Danso (born 1989), Ghanaian footballer playing in Puerto Rico
  • Yaw Fosu-Amoah (born 1981), South African long jumper
  • Yaw Frimpong (born 1986), Ghanaian footballer playing in Congo
  • Yaw Ihle Amankwah (born 1988), Ghanaian footballer playing in Norway
  • Yaw Osafo-Marfo, (born 1942) Ghanaian politician and former minister for Education and Finance
  • Yaw Osene-Akwah (born 1984), Ghanaian youth activist, founding member of Okyeman Youth Association and Okyeman Youth for Development, comes from Akyem Apedwa
  • Yaw Preko (born 1974), Ghanaian former international footballer
  • Yaw Tog , Ghanaian rapper

See also

References
  1. "The Sociolinguistic of Akan Personal Names". ResearchGate. Retrieved 2021-04-07.
  2. "The Akan Day Names and Their Embedded Ancient Symbolism". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2021-04-07.
  3. Kamunya, Mercy (2018-10-19). "Akan names and their meanings". Yen.com.gh - Ghana news. Retrieved 2021-04-07.
  4. Konadu, Kwasi (2012). "The Calendrical Factor in Akan History". International Journal of African Historical Studies. 45: 217–246.
  5. "'Day born names' in Dagbani, Ewe and Fante". GhanaWeb. 2019-11-09. Retrieved 2021-04-07.
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