Kofi

Pronunciation: [ k-OHF-ee ]

Boy Name #3,640 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A proud Ghanaian name for those born on Friday

Ghanaian West African African-American

Earthy Spiritual Strong Unique Bold

Meaning & Origin

"born on Friday"

Origin: Akan

Language: Akan/Twi

"Friday-born male"

Origin: West African

Language: Fante

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.

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

Famous People Named Kofi

Kofi Kingston

Entertainer

1981

Ghanaian-American professional wrestler and WWE Champion

Kofi Annan

Politician

1938

Ghanaian diplomat who served as 7th UN Secretary-General and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001

Kofi Boateng Fictional

Other

Character in various Ghanaian novels representing the proud Akan cultural tradition

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

Pairs Well With

Kofi James Kofi Emmanuel Kofi Alexander Kofi Michael Kofi David Kofi Asante Kofi Kwame

Sibling Names

Kwame Ama Esi Akua Kojo Abena Nana

Also a Girl Name

Kofi is also used as a girl name, ranked #60311.

View Kofi as a girl name →

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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 common nicknames for Kofi?

Common nicknames for Kofi include Ko.

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.