Soul Names

In Ghanaian culture, a ceremony called "Out Dooring" is held the 7th day after the birth of a baby. On this day the child is named by a traditional process where the first name is tagged to the day of the birth and then followed by other (sometimes many) family names. By this ceremony they are welcomed into the family.

The "day name" is called their "Soul Name." Even though some Ghanaians may have English and religious names, everyone also has their "Soul Name" which may be used by friends and family.  


There are masculine and feminine names for each day of the week. Some tribes have slightly different names, but the same idea. 

Below are the Akan tribe male and female names used in Ghana:

                     Masculine             Feminine

Sunday:          Kwesi                  Akosua

Monday:         Kojo                    Adwoa

Tuesday:        Kwabena              Abena

Wednesday:    Kweku                 Akua

Thursday:       Yaw                    Yaa 

Friday:           Kofi                    Afua

Saturday:       Kwame                Ama

Shannon is Akosua (Sunday). Gregg is Kofi (Friday).

Who are you?

http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/

Characteristics of Each Day

• Monday's child is the father or mother in the family; nurturing in nature, dependable and organized, and protective of his/her family.
• Tuesday's child is the problem solver and planner of the family. They are structured in nature, neutral in all matters and never takes sides.
• Wednesday's child is fully in control of every situation, does not want to be told what to do, knows it all, is spontaneous, vibrant and cordial. Be sure not to cross his or her path, though...
• Thursday's child is quiet in nature and incredibly observant. They are generally listeners, not talkers, and analyzes situations very well.
• Friday's child is a leader, not a follower. He/she is very temperamental but has a big heart. Generally the instigator of everything.
• Saturday's child likes to take control of family situations. He/she runs the show and make the rules, but will go out of his/her way for others any time.
• Sunday's child is the passive, sensitive and warm member of the family. He/she tends to be shy and likes to keep to his/her self, but is very aware of his/her surroundings and usually is the secret keeper of the family.