GA-DANGME NAMING SYSTEM AND PATTERNS

 

INTRODUCTION

-        The Ga and the Dangme people have a beautiful and well-structured naming system. Among the Anthropology of the GaDangme  people of Greater-Accra Region of Ghana, naming is far more than a simple way of identifying a person. A name carries history, ancestry, spirituality, memory, family pride and cultural identity. In traditional Ga and Dangme societies, a child’s name tells a story even before the person speaks. It may reveal the day the child was born, the circumstances surrounding the birth, the family lineage, religious beliefs, social expectations or even the emotions of the parents at the time of birth.

-        For centuries, this has remained one of the strongest cultural foundations of the Ga and Dangme people. Even in modern times, where Western and foreign names have become common, traditional Ga names continue to hold deep meaning and cultural value. To understand the GaDangme people, one must first understand the importance of names in Ga and Dangme culture.

 

-        Naming as Identity

In Ga-Dangme tradition, a person’s name is closely connected to identity and destiny. A name is not just chosen randomly. Families carefully select names because they believe names can influence character, behavior or even the child’s future. A child who receives the name of a respected ancestor is often expected to reflect the good qualities of that ancestor. In this way, naming becomes a bridge between the living, the dead and future generations.

Among the GaDangme people, names preserve family heritage. Clan names, ancestral names, and inherited names help identify one’s roots and lineage. Through names, families maintain continuity across generations, ensuring that the memory of ancestors never disappears.

-        Day Names in GaDangme Culture

One of the most recognised features of the Ga & Dangme naming system is the use of day names. Traditionally, Ga & Dangme children receive names according to the day of the week on which they were born. These names are deeply rooted in GaDangme cosmology and cultural tradition.

For example:

·        A male born on Monday is called Kojo

·        A female born on Monday is called Ajoa

·        A male born on Friday is called Kofi

·        A female born on Friday may be called Afua

These day names are not merely labels. They often carry expectations about temperament, behavior, and personality. Certain traits are culturally associated with particular birth days, and these associations form part of GaDangme oral tradition and storytelling.

Although many modern families combine traditional names with English, Biblical or Islamic names, day names remain a proud symbol of Ga and the Dangme identity both within Ghana and among GaDangme communities abroad.

-        Circumstantial and Ancestral Names

Beyond day names, Ga naming traditions also include circumstantial names. There are miscarriage names, family and lineage names, and Twin names. Ancestral naming is equally important. Children are often named after grandparents, respected elders, or deceased relatives. This practice reflects the belief that the virtues and spirit of ancestors continue through descendants. Naming a child after an ancestor is considered both an honor and a spiritual connection between generations.

-        Spiritual and Cultural Meaning

Traditionally, naming among the Ga-Dangme people is connected to spirituality. The outdooring ceremony called “Kpojiemɔ” in Ga and “Kpojiemi” in Dangme, is usually held exactly 8 days after childbirth, formally introduces the child to the family, community, and ancestors. During this ceremony, elders may offer prayers, blessings, and words of wisdom. The child’s name is publicly announced, symbolising acceptance.

A good name is expected to bring dignity, protection, and honor to the bearer. Because of this belief, names are chosen carefully and respectfully.

 

THE MODERN GA & DANGME NAMING SYSTEM

Today, the Ga naming system continues to evolve. Christianity, Islam, colonial influence, education, and globalisation have all shaped modern naming practices. Many GaDangmes now carry a combination of traditional names and foreign names. Despite these changes, traditional naming practices remain deeply respected.

Young people are increasingly rediscovering the importance of indigenous identity and cultural preservation.

At this point, let us look at the Day Names among the Ga-Dangme people.

 

 

DAY NAMES AMONG THE GA-DANGMES

The day you were born automatically comes with its name as we earlier learnt and saw in the first part of the youtube video. The day name is called “kla gbi gbɛi” in the Ga language and “kla ligbi biɛ” in Dangme. There are names for males and names for females. We shall not waste much time but head straight for it. Day names are the same for the Ga and Dangmes except for Sunday.

DAY (GBI/LIGBI)	MALE (Nuu/Nyumu)	FEMALE (Yoo/Yo)
MONDAY JU/HƆƐGBI	Kojo	Ajoa
TUESDAY JUFƆ/PƐPLƐGBI	Kɔbla	Abla Abla/Ablayo (Dangme)
WEDNESDAY SHƆ/SƆ	Kwaku	Aku/Akua
THURSDAY SOO/SO	Kwao	Aba/Awo
FRIDAY SOHAA/SOHA	Kofi	Afua Afimaa (Dangme)
SATURDAY HƆƆ/HƆ	Kwami	Ama
SUNDAY HƆGBAA/HƆGBA	Kwashi Kwasi	Akoshia Awusi

 

 

 

 

Ga & Dangme Birth Order Names & Their  Appellations

The Ga-Dangme people of Ghana have a rich naming tradition that reflects family structure, ancestry and the circumstances surrounding a child’s birth. Among the most important aspects of this system are birth order names — special names given according to the position a child occupies among siblings. These names are deeply rooted in Ga-Dangme culture and serve as markers of identity, respect and heritage.

In many Ga-Dangme families, a child may receive a birth order name alongside a day name and other family names. For example, names such as Buertey, Buerki, Padiki, Padikuor, Adenortey, Tetteh, Tettey, Kwei, Akuorkor, Adjetey, Adjei, Okai, Kweitey, Konotey, Akweley etc… often carry meanings connected to gender, lineage, or birth sequence. These names help preserve cultural history and strengthen the connection between generations.

The Ga-Dangme birth order naming system is more than a way of identifying children; it is a living cultural tradition that reflects the values, social organization, and identity of the Ga-Dangme people. We list out the birth order names of so many clans as a complementary to the youtube video.

Do not forget that every Ga male has the title “Nii” and every Ga female has the title “Naa” whereas among the Dangmes, the males are “Nene” and the females are “Naana.” For the people of Kpone and Gbugbla, they use “Nii” and “Naa” as their titles as well. We take the birth order names first

No.	Hii (Male)	Sablã (appellation)	Yei (Female)	Sablã
1st	Tɛte	Saŋshi	Dede	Tuma
2nd	Tɛtɛ	Ŋpata	Kɔkɔ	Ofamota
3rd	Kwei Mensa	Afadi-nsuro Osa	Kai Mansa	Adoŋkropa Brakatublafo
4th	Laryea Anaŋ	Ania Kakabaŋ	Tsotsoo Maanaŋ	Aflasu-maŋso
5	Bɔi/Anuŋ	Oflãŋ Asokroja	Fofo	Oyɛ
6	Ashia	Kwajan Ankɔ / Ogbe	Ashami/Shasha	Okuɔ
7	Ashɔŋ	Ojaami	Ashɔŋ	Ojaami
8	Botswe	Ashiedu	Botwe	Ashieduwa
9	Akrɔŋ	Ajeshi Amaŋkwaa	Akrɔŋ	Ajeshi Amaŋkwaa
10	Badu	Asuasa / Pɛŋ	Badu	Asuasa / Pɛŋ

We now proceed to look at clan names in this section

CLAN AND FAMILY NAMES

The clan and family names tell us where one hails from. It further gives extra details on the person’s lineage and family deity. For example

-        Kwale (Quarley) hails from from Kpakpatsɛwe in Ga-Mashie. Yet still, the name Kwale can be found at La.

-        Nortey, Norley, Norkor, Nortei, Odofuley are names that hail from Osu typically Osu-Ashante, Osu-kinkawe

-        Sowah is a typical Teshie and La name

-        Obodai, Torgbor, Odoi, Larteley are La names

-        Borley, Borkor, Borkai, Bortsoo are Nungua-Amanfa and Ngmati quarter of La names

-        Adjetey. Adjieteh, Adjeley, Adjokor, Ashietey, Ashitei, Ashiekwei from Teshie

-        Merley, Morkor Marteki, Martekuor, Mamle, Martey from Teshie-Gbugbla and Prampram

-        Afotey, Odai, Otu, from Nungua-Sanshi

 

 

CLANS AMONG THE GA-DANGME COMMUNITIES

 

Community	Number of Clans	Names of Clans
Mashie	7	Asere clan [Lantey-Djan we etc.]  Sempe, Ngleshie Alata, Gbese, Abola, Otublohum, Akamajen,   (Asere has sub clans like Lantey-Djan we, Asere-Jorshie, Kpakpatse We)
Osu	4	Osu Alata, Osu-Ashante, Osu kinkawe, Osu-Anorhor
La	7	La-Abese, La-Abafum, Klannaa, Kowe, Lenshi, Ngmati-Jarasɛɛ, Ŋmati-Abonase
Nungua	2 Gates	Sanshi Gate and Amanfa Gate
Teshie	5 Gates	Krobo, Lenshie, Agbawe, Gbugbla and Teshie-Klemusun
Prampram	4 divisions	Olowe, Kley, Anorwe and Lakplerh division
Tema		ablewaŋkɔ aboitsɛwe, Ashamaŋ Ashamaŋ - Jɔɔshi, Awuduŋ, Awu-duŋ Jɔɔsɛɛ, Awu-duŋ Tsokunaa.

 

Also note that, orphans whose daddies passed away before they were born are called Antoban whiles those whose mothers passed away after childbirth is called Ahia. For the Dangme side, we have Doku and Dokuyo.

TABLE OF CLAN NAMES & THEIR RESPECTIVE APPELATIONS

TWIN NAMES AND THEIR APPELLATIONS

Hii (Men)	Sablã or Appellation	Yei (Females)	Sablã or Appellation
Akwetey/Oko	Onipa	Akweley	Suma
Akuɛtɛ	Okulu	Akuɔkɔ	Omaso
Tawia	Apiajei	Tawia	Apiajei
Ago	Nyaŋkoma	Ago	Nyaŋkoma
Abam	Hɛlɛ	Abam	Hɛlɛ

 

ABETSEWE FAMILY NAMES: Sect 1 shows the names of a particularsect and Sect 2 is how those with the sect 1 names would call their children. To further clarify, if you are given a sect 2 name by your father, you’ll give your child a sect one name

 

SECT 1

Hii (Men)	Sablã or Appellation	Yei (Females)	Sablã or Appellation
Abe	Okaŋfra pɛ ɔku ashwɛ	Jagbele	Naa Amunyɛ
Abeashi	Osaama otikroso	Jagbeleɔkɔ	Otuuku
Kwei	Afadi-nsro	Jagbelekai	Adoŋkropa
Laye	Ania	JagbeletsoO	Aflasu-maŋso
Bɔi	Oflaŋ	Fofo	Oye

 

SECT 2

Hii (Men)	Sablã or Appellation	Yei (Females)	Sablã or Appellation
Abete	Saŋshi	Abele	Osabiede
Abetɛi (Abeɛtɛ)	Ŋpata	Abekɔ	Asuokaija
Abekwei	Afadi-nsro	Abekai	Adoŋkropa
Laye	Ania	Abetso	Aflasu-maŋso
Bɔi	Oflaŋ	Fofo	Oye

 

 

ABETSEWE (ANƐWE)

SECT 1

Hii (Men)	Sablã or Appellation	Yei (Females)	Sablã or Appellation
Abe	Okaŋfra pɛ ɔku ashwɛ	Jagbele	Naa Amunyɛ
Jaatɛi	Ŋpata	Jagbeleɔkɔ	Otuuku
Jaakwei	Afadi-nsro	Jagbelekai	Adoŋkropa
Laye	Ania	Jagbeletsoo	Aflasu-maŋso
Jaanum	Oflaŋ	Fofo	Oye

 

SECT 2

Hii (Men)	Sablã or Appellation	Yei (Females)	Sablã or Appellation
Anɛte	Saŋshi	Abele	Osabiede
Shamo	Ŋpata	Abekɔ	Asuokaija
Anɛkwei	Afadi-nsro	Abekai	Adoŋkropa
Nari	Ania	Abetsoo	Aflasu-maŋso
Anari	Oflaŋ	abefofo	Oye

 

AGBO & FRIMPONG WE (GA-MASHIE)

SECT 1

Hii (Men)	Sablã or Appellation	Yei (Females)	Sablã or Appellation
Aayi	Anafo Papaŋku	Dedei	Amɔbiye
Armah	Oshimbaŋ	Kɔkɔi	Asuokaija
Okai	Acheampong	Adaku	Okɛmlɛ-jata
Afla	Kakabaŋ	Jagbeletsoo	Aflasu-maŋso
Bɔi	Oflaŋ	Fofo	Oye

 

SECT 2

Hii (Men)	Sablã or Appellation	Yei (Females)	Sablã or Appellation
Ayite	Animle Oyaŋka	Ayele	Osɔŋɔ
Ayikwei	Afai-nsro	Ayɔkɔ	Sabɔŋ-di-ewuo
Ayai	Abɛ-nuaku	Ayikai	Adoŋkropa
Adama	Asua-blempɔŋ	Ayitsoo	Aflasu-maŋso
Bɔi	Oflaŋ	Ayele	Oye

 

 

AFƆTESOSHISHI FAMILY NAMES

SECT 1

Hii (Men)	Sablã or Appellation	Yei (Females)	Sablã or Appellation
Okai (Mampɔŋ)	Odanpetee-okɛtsiri	Dei	Oseble
Agɔte	Owu	Kɔkɔ Maatili	Asuokaija
Okaikoi	Ofɛri-onsro	Kai Osɛ	Adonkropa
Bɔi	Oflaŋ	Tsotso	Aflasu-manso
Koisã		Dedei	Amɔbiye
Adu	Ablefo	Kɔkɔi	Asuokaija
Adama	Asua-blempɔŋ	Adaku	Okɛmlɛ-jata
Sabaa	Osebli	Omanyeyoo

 

SECT 2

Hii (Men)	Sablã or Appellation	Yei (Females)	Sablã or Appellation
Kute	Sãashi	Kukuele	Tuma
Kutɛi (Tɛtɛ)	Mpata	Kukuɔkɔ	Asuokaija
Abɔse	Bewu	Kukukai	Adonkropa-brakatubrafo
ashaŋmɔ	Evlezo	Kukutso	Aflasu-manso
Ayi Kushi	Anafo Papaŋku	Kukufo	Oye
Ayikoi	Tieku	Ashami	Okuŋja
Ayai	Abɛ-nuaku	Oyofo	Oye
Amã	Oshimbaŋ	Kukuele	Tuma

 

AKLAMANAA FAMILY NAMES

Hii (Men)	Sablã or Appellation	Yei (Females)	Sablã or Appellation
Late	Atswere-bɛnta	Latele	Obu Adanse
Latɛi	Tswitswan	Lateɔkɔ (Anɔkɔ)	Oyekpa
Lakwei	Afadi-nsro	latekai	Akot Blujwɛ
Ajin Laye	Owuakua	Latetsoo	Aflasu-manso
Latebɔi	Oflaŋ	latefo	Oye

 

AMAATSƐWE

Hii (Men)	Sablã or Appellation	Yei (Females)	Sablã or Appellation
Amaa	Osiapem
amaakãi	Atsiampɔŋ
Okaikoi	Afadi-nsro
Laye	Ania
Ammatebɔi	Oflaŋ	l

 

ANUNSAWE FAMILY NAMES

SECT 1

Hii (Men)	Sablã or Appellation	Yei (Females)	Sablã or Appellation
Awule	Srɛbo-okantɔŋ	Obɔne	Obu Adanse
Kotoku	Obankro	Anɔkɔ	Oyekpa
Ayi-Mensa	Osa-abrompa	Latekai	Akoto-blujwɛ
Latekwei	Afadi-nsro	Latetso	Aflasu-manso
Bɔi	Oflaŋ	Latefo	Oye

 

SECT 2

Hii (Men)	Sablã or Appellation	Yei (Females)	Sablã or Appellation
Late	Atswere-bɛnta	Lamile	Amoabeŋ-ajaaku
Latɛi	Tswitswaŋ	Lamiɔkɔ	Aboaje-kako
Lakwei	Afadi-nsro	Lamikai	Adonkproba
Laye	Ania	Lamitswei	Aflasu-manso
Bɔi	Oflaŋ	Lami-Fofo	Oye