"born on Friday"
Origin: Akan
Language: Akan/Twi
Kofi
Pronunciation: [ k-OHF-ee ]
Does Kofi flow with your last name?
A proud Ghanaian name for those born on Friday
Ghanaian
West African
African-American
Earthy
Spiritual
Strong
Unique
Bold
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"Friday-born male"
Origin: West African
Language: Fante
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The Story of Kofi
Kofi is a day name from the Akan people of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. In the Akan naming tradition, children are given a soul name (kra din) based on the day of the week they were born. Kofi specifically designates a male born on Friday — each day has both a male and female version, making these names a living calendar embedded in personal identity.
Kofi gained international recognition largely through Kofi Annan, who served as the 7th Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1997 to 2006 and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001. His global prominence brought this distinctly Ghanaian name to worldwide awareness.
In Akan culture, day names are considered spiritually significant — the day of birth shapes a person's personality and destiny according to traditional belief. Kofi (Friday-born) is associated with being adventurous and freedom-loving in Akan tradition.
Historical Record
Kofi first appeared in US Social Security records in 1970.
Over 1,506 babies have been named Kofi in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kofi is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #3,640 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Kofi Annan was the first sub-Saharan African to lead the United Nations
- In Akan tradition, Friday-born males are believed to be adventurous and freedom-seeking
- The Akan day-name system assigns a different name for each day of the week, for both males and females
Kofi in Other Languages
Ewe
Koffi
Fante
Kofi
French
Kofi
English
Kofi
Akan/Twi
Kofi
Popularity Over Time
#3,640
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kofi
K
Kofi Kingston
Entertainer
1981
Ghanaian-American professional wrestler and WWE Champion
K
Kofi Annan
Politician
1938
Ghanaian diplomat who served as 7th UN Secretary-General and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001
K
Kofi Boateng Fictional
Other
Character in various Ghanaian novels representing the proud Akan cultural tradition
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Compare Kofi with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,640
- Total SSA Count
- 31
- Cultural Origins
- Ghanaian West African African-American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Ko
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, spiritual style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, earthy style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kofi
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
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Also a Girl Name
Kofi is also used as a girl name, ranked #60311.
View Kofi as a girl name →Similar Names
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"exalted father"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kofi
What does the name Kofi mean?
"born on Friday" (from Akan). "Friday-born male" (from West African). Kofi is a day name from the Akan people of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. In the Akan naming tradition, children are given a soul name (kra din) based on the day of the week they were born. Kofi specifically designates a male born on Friday — each day has both a male and female version, making these names a living calendar embedded in personal identity.
What is the origin of the name Kofi?
Kofi has Akan, West African, Ghanaian, and African-American origins. In Akan, it means "born on Friday". In West African, it means "Friday-born male".
Is Kofi a boy or girl name?
Kofi is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3640. As a girl name, it is ranked #60311. Kofi is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Kofi?
Kofi is pronounced k-OHF-ee.
How popular is the name Kofi?
Kofi is currently ranked #3640 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Kofi?
Popular middle name pairings include Kofi James, Kofi Emmanuel, Kofi Alexander, Kofi Michael, Kofi David, Kofi Asante, and Kofi Kwame.
What are good sibling names for Kofi?
Names that pair well with Kofi as siblings include Kwame, Ama, Esi, Akua, Kojo, Abena, and Nana.
How many syllables does Kofi have?
Kofi has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kofi a common or rare name?
Kofi is an uncommon name, ranked #3640 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Kofi
Kofi is a boy name with Ghanaian, West African, and African-American origins . The name means "born on Friday" in Akan .
Is Kofi a boy or girl name? Kofi is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,640 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #60,311. Kofi is more commonly used as a boy name.
Kofi is currently ranked #3,640 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Kofi has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-OHF-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kofi include Ko. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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