MallowbyNames

Maame

MAH-may · "Mother" or "woman" in Akan (Twi), often used as a term of endearment or honorific.

Peak popularity
2003
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 2016

Rising since 2016.

Popularity of Maame since 1999

Babies named Maame per year in U.S. Social Security records.

4913200020102020Most births 2003Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1990s11
2000s76
2010s55
2020s34

Meaning & origin

Maame entered U.S. birth records in 1999 and reached its peak rank in 2003, though it has never broken into the top 1000. Since 2016, its usage has been steadily rising, reflecting growing awareness of Ghanaian heritage among American families. Derived from the Akan word for "mother," the name carries deep cultural resonance within Ghanaian communities. Despite its low overall frequency, Maame's consistent upward trajectory suggests increasing appeal as a distinctive name with rich meaning. As a feminine name with a strong cultural foundation, it offers a connection to West African traditions.

Maame originates from the Akan language of Ghana, specifically the Twi dialect, where it means "mother" or "woman." It is commonly used as a respectful address for an older woman or as a term of endearment. In recent decades, it has been adopted as a given name in Ghanaian diaspora communities, particularly in the United States and United Kingdom.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Mama, Mimi, Mae

Variants: Maame, Mame

Sibling names for Maame

Names that share Maame's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Adwoa, Akua, Efua, Nana, Yaa, Nhyira

Brothers: Kwame, Kwesi, Kwaku, Yaw, Kofi

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

M is for Maame, our favorite little girl.

M is for Maame…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Maame's letter becomes Maame's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Maame's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Maame mean?
Maame means "mother" or "woman" in the Akan language (Twi) of Ghana.
How popular is Maame today?
Maame is not currently ranked in the U.S. top 1000 but has been in use since at least 1999, with a peak in 2003. Its popularity has been rising since 2016.
Is Maame a boy or girl name?
Maame is primarily a feminine name, though it can be used for any gender in its honorific sense.