A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Kwesi since 1971
Babies named Kwesi per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 196 |
| 1980s | 118 |
| 1990s | 199 |
| 2000s | 172 |
| 2010s | 80 |
| 2020s | 53 |
Meaning & origin
Kwesi is an Akan day name from Ghana, given to boys born on Sunday. First recorded in U.S. data in 1971, the name peaked in popularity in 1977. After a period of decline, it has been rising again since 2013. As of 2025, Kwesi ranked 9,714th nationally, with approximately 1 in 244,011 male newborns receiving the name. Its revival reflects a broader interest in African names and cultural heritage.
Kwesi is a masculine Akan day name from Ghana, given to a boy born on Sunday. In Akan culture, day names (kradin) are traditionally assigned based on the day of birth and carry spiritual significance. The name is widely used among the Akan people, including subgroups such as the Ashanti and Fante. Kwesi has also gained recognition in the African diaspora and beyond.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kwes, Kwesi
Sibling names for Kwesi
Names that share Kwesi's style, for a brother or sister.
