Akan Day Names (Kra Din)
Different societies have different ways of naming their children. Among the Akan people of Ghana, newborns are given a special name based on the day of the week on which they are born. This name is called a “kra din.”
In Twi, the widely spoken Akan language, kra (or okra) means soul, and din means name. Together, kra din means “soul name” or “day name.”
The Akans are one of the largest ethnic groups in Ghana and make up about 46 percent of the country’s population. Some Akan subgroups include the Akim, Akwapim, Asante (Ashanti), Assin, Bono (Brong), Fante, and Kwahu.
Among the Akans, there are different day names for females and males, and each day of the week has its own name.
Day Names for Girls
- Monday: Adwoa
- Tuesday: Abena
- Wednesday: Akua
- Thursday: Yaa
- Friday: Afua
- Saturday: Amma (or Ama)
- Sunday: Akosua
Day Names for Boys
- Monday: Kwadwo
- Tuesday: Kwabena
- Wednesday: Kwaku
- Thursday: Yaw
- Friday: Kofi
- Saturday: Kwame
- Sunday: Kwasi
For many Akans, day names are very important. In the past, some people did not know their exact birthdate—the day, month, or year—because births were not always officially recorded. For such individuals, their kra din became a key part of their identity and was treated with great respect.
Day names are also sometimes used to choose special days for important personal or life decisions. Because of this, many Akans regard their kra din as meaningful and even sacred.
So, do you know your Akan day name? What is it?
Watch the full video on YouTube –
