Declining since 1990, #2,941 for boys today.
Popularity of Kwame since 1960
Babies named Kwame per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 109 |
| 1970s | 678 |
| 1980s | 658 |
| 1990s | 1,204 |
| 2000s | 578 |
| 2010s | 461 |
| 2020s | 267 |
Meaning & origin
Kwame is an Akan day name meaning 'born on a Saturday,' deeply rooted in Ghanaian culture and the naming traditions of the Twi and Fante peoples. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1960 and saw a peak in usage in 1990, when it was most commonly chosen. Since then, its popularity has steadily declined, reflecting a trend toward less frequent use of culturally specific African names in the broader American naming landscape. Despite this downward trajectory, Kwame remains a meaningful choice for families honoring Akan heritage. The name is most popular in Georgia, where cultural ties to West African diaspora communities are strong. Kwame's unique rhythmic sound and profound cultural significance continue to give it enduring appeal among those seeking a name with depth and history.
Kwame originates from the Akan language of Ghana, specifically from the Twi and Fante dialects. In the Akan day-naming tradition, children are given a name based on the day of the week they were born, and Kwame is the name for a male born on Saturday. This practice, known as kradin, has been in use for centuries and remains common among Akan people.
Where Kwame is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kwam, Kwe
Variants: Kwamena
Sibling names for Kwame
Names that share Kwame's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Adwoa, Afia, Yaa, Esi, Ama, Ayanna, Emani, Imani, Kamara, Kamaria, Kenyetta, Kimani, Kizzy, Malaika, Nairobi, Nubia, Tanisha, Taraji, Tawanda, Abena, Assata, Awa, Johari, Kijana, Makeba, Monifa, Nandi, Niara, Yemaya, Adisa, Adja, Afrika, Afua, Akosua, Akua, Asanti, Ashaki, Ashani, Damali, Imara, Kenyada, Kenyana, Kenyata, Kwanza, Maisha, Niambi, Nyema, Nzinga, Oni, Oshun, Zawadi, Ashantee, Ebonye, Furaha, Idara, Jendayi, Maame, Marjani, Nhyira, Nkenge, Nyota, Ohemaa, Olani, Tanganyika, Tiombe, Tuere
Brothers: Kofi, Kwasi, Yaw, Kweku, Nana, Asante, Damani, Jabari, Jelani, Kanye, Kenyatta, Omari, Sekani, Shomari, Akili, Ayinde, Chaka, Jamani, Jidenna, Kwabena, Kwaku, Kwesi, Masai, Olajuwon, Sekou, Tafari, Abayomi, Adewale, Akin, Askia, Ayo, Bakari, Efe, Gyasi, Jabarri, Jahaad, Jahkeem, Jamol, Jasiri, Jawanza, Jomo, Kayode, Kemet, Khalfani, Kojo, Kwadwo, Kwane, Mansa, Nkosi, Osei, Shaka, Taiwo, Tayo, Bomani, Jabori, Jahbari, Kenyatte, Mandela, Ajamu, Akiem, Atiba, Edem, Jabaree, Jumaane, Kijani, Kinte, Kwamaine, Kwamane, Maasai, Massai, Mosi, Ojani, Onaje, Sundiata
