Declining since 2022, #3,240 for boys today.
Popularity of Kofi since 1970
Babies named Kofi per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 164 |
| 1980s | 193 |
| 1990s | 259 |
| 2000s | 390 |
| 2010s | 304 |
| 2020s | 232 |
Meaning & origin
Kofi, meaning 'born on a Friday,' is an Akan day name from Ghana that entered U.S. records in 1970. The name reached its peak rank of 3,240th in 2004, reflecting broader cultural awareness, notably through figures like former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan. As of 2025, its frequency is approximately 1 in 47,447 births, and the name has been declining in use since 2022. Among top states for the name, Virginia and New York stand out, suggesting concentration in areas with Ghanaian diaspora communities.
Kofi is an Akan (Twi) name from Ghana, part of the ethnic day-naming tradition where a child is given a name corresponding to the day of the week they were born. Kofi is specifically the name for a boy born on Friday. This tradition is deeply rooted in Akan culture, and the name has been carried widely by notable figures, including United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Where Kofi is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kojo
Variants: Koffi, Coffie
Sibling names for Kofi
Names that share Kofi's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Adwoa, Afia, Akua, Yaa, Esi, Imani, Irie, Kamara, Kamaria, Kimani, Kizzy, Makeda, Malaika, Taraji, Zuri, Abena, Adama, Awa, Camara, Deola, Makeba, Monifa, Nandi, Neema, Niara, Yemaya, Adisa, Adja, Afrika, Afua, Akosua, Asanti, Ashaki, Ashani, Gelila, Imara, Kioni, Kwanza, Maisha, Niambi, Nneoma, Nyema, Nzinga, Oni, Oshun, Shakari, Ymani, Zalika, Ashantee, Falana, Idara, Jendayi, Maame, Nataki, Nhyira, Nkenge, Nyota, Ohemaa, Olani, Tanganyika, Tiombe, Tola, Umeka, Zolani
Brothers: Kwame, Kwesi, Yaw, Kwabena, Nana, Asante, Dakari, Damani, Jabari, Jelani, Kanye, Kenyatta, Khari, Omari, Sekani, Shomari, Akili, Chaka, Jidenna, Kwaku, Kwasi, Masai, Sekou, Tafari, Adewale, Akin, Askia, Ayo, Bakari, Efe, Gyasi, Jahmai, Jasiri, Jomo, Khalfani, Kojo, Kwadwo, Kwane, Kweli, Mansa, Osei, Shaka, Tayo, Kenyatte, Ajamu, Atiba, Demilade, Edem, Jumaane, Kinte, Maasai, Mosi, Ojani, Onaje, Osaze, Simba, Sundiata
