Adwoa
Pronunciation[adʑᶣoa]
GenderFemale
Language(s)Akan languages
Origin
Word/nameAkan
Derivationdwo 'peace'
Meaningborn on a Monday;
Region of origin Ashanti
Empire of Ashanti
Other names
Variant form(s)Adjoa, Adjua, Adjuba, Juba
Related names

Adwoa is a given name used for women born on Monday in Western Africa, particularly Ghana and some parts of Togo, southern Benin and Ivory Coast.[1] Day names are a cultural practice of the Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Although some might believe it is mostly practiced by Ashanti people, it is actually practiced 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. Adwoa has the appellation Badwo or Akoto meaning peace.[3] Thus, females named Adwoa are supposed to be peaceful.[3][4]

Origin and meaning of Adwoa

In the Akan culture, day names are known to be derived from deities. Adwoa is originated from Koyayuda and from the Lord of Life Firmament deity of the day Monday.[4][3] Females born on Monday are known to be calm, peacemakers and protectors. They tend to be nurturing and achieve a balance between strength and compassion.[4][2][3]

Female variants of Adwoa

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.[3][5] Adwoa is spelt Adwoa by the Akuapem and Ashanti subgroups while the Fante subgroup spell it as Adjoa, Ajua, or Ajuba.[3]

Male version of Adwoa

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 Monday Kwadwo.[2][5]

Notable women named Adwoa

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

  • Adwoa Ansah-Brew (GEN Z), Musical Artist and Performer (East Coast Rockstar)
  • Adwoa Aboah (born 1992), British model and activist
  • Adjoa Andoh (born 1963), British actress
  • Adwoa Smart (born 1971), Ghanaian actress
  • Adjoa Bayor (born 1979), Ghanaian footballer
  • Adwoa Yamoah (born 1986), Canadian cheerleader

References

  1. ↑ "20000-NAMES.COM: Weekday Names, page 1 of 1--meaning, origin, etymology".
  2. 1 2 3 "The Sociolinguistic of Akan Personal Names". ResearchGate. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "The Akan Day Names and Their Embedded Ancient Symbolism". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  4. 1 2 3 Konadu, Kwasi (2012). "The Calendrical Factor in Akan History". International Journal of African Historical Studies. 45: 217–246.
  5. 1 2 Kamunya, Mercy (2018-10-19). "Akan names and their meanings". Yen.com.gh - Ghana news. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
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