A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Akua since 1971
Babies named Akua per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 104 |
| 1980s | 87 |
| 1990s | 130 |
| 2000s | 101 |
| 2010s | 90 |
| 2020s | 42 |
Meaning & origin
Akua is a feminine name of Akan origin, traditionally given to girls born on Wednesday. Since entering U.S. records in 1971, the name reached its peak rank of 10,107 in 1978 and has since become less common. However, it has shown a rising trend since 2020, reflecting a growing appreciation for culturally rich names. The name is closely tied to Ghanaian heritage and is part of a broader day-naming system that includes names like Kwame (Saturday) and Yaa (Thursday). Despite its modest use in the United States, Akua remains a meaningful choice for families seeking to honor Akan traditions.
Akua is an Akan name from Ghana, derived from the Akan day-naming tradition where a child is given a name corresponding to the day of their birth. Specifically, Akua is given to a girl born on Wednesday. The Akan people have a long-standing tradition of such day names, which are rich in cultural significance and often reflect the circumstances or attributes associated with that day.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Akuba, Akwa
Sibling names for Akua
Names that share Akua's style, for a brother or sister.
