"born on Saturday"
Origin: Akan
Language: Twi
Ama
Pronunciation: [ ay-ehm-AY ]
Does Ama flow with your last name?
A Ghanaian soul name for Saturday's daughter
Ghanaian
West African
Akan
Japanese
Spiritual
Earthy
Gentle
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"heaven, sky"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
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The Story of Ama
Ama is a traditional Akan day name from Ghana, meaning a girl born on Saturday. In the Akan naming system of Ghana and Ivory Coast, every child receives a soul name based on the day of the week they are born — a practice connecting children to cosmic cycles and ancestral traditions. Saturday's female name is Ama (or Amma), while the male equivalent is Kwame. In Japanese, Ama also appears as a poetic word meaning heaven or rain.
Ama has gained broader recognition as African naming traditions have become more appreciated globally. It is common in Ghana and Ivory Coast and is increasingly chosen by diaspora families worldwide. Its short, melodic sound makes it appealing across cultures regardless of background.
In Akan culture, day names are considered the name of the spirit, and children born on each day are said to inherit that day's spiritual qualities. Saturday's children (Ama/Kwame) are associated with a peacefulness and deep inner life. The most famous Saturday-born name-bearer is Kofi Annan (Kofi = Friday male, showing the system) — Ama sits alongside these beloved cultural anchors.
Historical Record
Ama first appeared in US Social Security records in 1956.
Over 720 babies have been named Ama in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Ama is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #6,604 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In the Akan naming system, every day of the week has a designated soul name for boys and girls
- Saturday's male equivalent is Kwame — Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first president, bore this name
- Ama also appears in Japanese as a poetic word for heaven or sky, making it a beautiful cross-cultural coincidence
Ama in Other Languages
Ewe
Ama
Arabic
أمة (female servant of God)
Japanese
天 (heaven)
Akan (Twi)
Ama
Popularity Over Time
#6,604
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Ama
A
Ama Owusu
Athlete
1997
Ghanaian-American sprinter who competed internationally, one of several athletes bearing this traditional Akan name
A
Ama Ata Aidoo
Writer
1940
Ghanaian author, playwright, and poet, one of Africa's most celebrated literary voices and a pioneering feminist writer
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,604
- Total SSA Count
- 18
- Cultural Origins
- Ghanaian West African Akan Japanese
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, gentle style, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, gentle style, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Ama
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ama
What does the name Ama mean?
"born on Saturday" (from Akan). "heaven, sky" (from Japanese). Ama is a traditional Akan day name from Ghana, meaning a girl born on Saturday. In the Akan naming system of Ghana and Ivory Coast, every child receives a soul name based on the day of the week they are born — a practice connecting children to cosmic cycles and ancestral traditions. Saturday's female name is Ama (or Amma), while the male equivalent is Kwame. In Japanese, Ama also appears as a poetic word meaning heaven or rain.
What is the origin of the name Ama?
Ama has Akan, Japanese, Ghanaian, and West African origins. In Akan, it means "born on Saturday". In Japanese, it means "heaven, sky".
Is Ama a boy or girl name?
Ama is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Ama?
Ama is pronounced ay-ehm-AY.
How popular is the name Ama?
Ama is currently ranked #6604 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Ama?
Popular middle name pairings include Ama Rose, Ama Grace, Ama Joy, Ama Pearl, Ama Adwoa, and Ama Kofi.
What are good sibling names for Ama?
Names that pair well with Ama as siblings include Kofi, Kwame, Adjoa, Abena, Kojo, and Akosua.
How many syllables does Ama have?
Ama has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Ama a common or rare name?
Ama is an uncommon name, ranked #6604 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Ama
Ama is a girl name with Ghanaian, West African, Akan, and Japanese origins . The name means "born on Saturday" in Akan .
Ama is currently ranked #6,604 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Ama has 2 syllables and is pronounced ay-ehm-AY, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Ama include Amara, Amaya, Amari, Amanda, Amalia . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis