Ama is an Akan feminine given name originating from the Akan people following their day naming system, meaning "born on Saturday".[1][2][3] Day names are a cultural practice of the Akan people of Ghana. It is practised by all the subgroups of the Akan people (i.e. Ashanti, Akuapem, Akyem, Fante) who follow traditional customs.[4] People born on particular days are supposed to exhibit the characteristics or attributes and philosophy, associated with the days. Ama has the appellation "Nyamewa" or "Adoma" meaning creation or grace.[5]
Origin and meaning of Ama
In the Akan culture, day names are known to be derived from deities. Ama is originated from Koyame the Akan Day name of God.[5][6] Females born on Saturday tend to be talented, wise and problem solvers.[5][6]
Female variants of Ama
The Akan people in Ghana have so many ways of calling or naming their female child born on Saturday. For instance, the Fantes call a female child born on Saturday Ewurama, Ama or Amba.[7]
Male version of Ama
In the Akan culture and other local cultures in Ghana, day names come in pairs for males and females. The variant of the name used for a male child born on Saturday is Kwame.[4][5][6]
Notable people with the name
Most Ghanaian children have their cultural day names in combination with their English or Christian names. Some notable people with such names are:
See also
References