Holding steady, #7,133 for girls today.
Popularity of Abena since 1971
Babies named Abena per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 109 |
| 1980s | 77 |
| 1990s | 109 |
| 2000s | 174 |
| 2010s | 131 |
| 2020s | 72 |
Meaning & origin
Abena is a name of Akan origin from Ghana, specifically given to girls born on a Tuesday. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1971, and while never common, it reached its peak popularity in 2006. As of 2025, its rank is 7,133, with an estimated 1 in 107,151 girls receiving the name, reflecting stable usage. The name carries deep cultural significance in Akan naming traditions, where day names connect individuals to the spiritual attributes of their birth day. Although not widely used in the United States, Abena maintains a quiet presence among families honoring Ghanaian heritage. Its sound is approachable and melodic, fitting well with modern naming trends that celebrate cultural roots. Sibling names from the same tradition include Akua (Wednesday) and Kwame (Saturday), creating a cohesive set of day names.
Abena is of Akan origin, specifically from the Twi language of Ghana. It is a day name given to a girl born on a Tuesday, following the Akan tradition of naming children after the day of the week they were born. The name is formed from the Akan word for Tuesday, which is related to the concept of 'second' or 'following' (Monday being the first day). In Akan culture, day names are highly significant and carry spiritual and social connotations.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Abi, Bena, Abby
Variants: Abenaa, Abenah
Sibling names for Abena
Names that share Abena's style, for a brother or sister.
