Ama: a female name of African (Akan Ashanti) origin meaning "This name derives from the African (Akan Ashanti) (Èʋe) “mene,” meaning “born on Saturday (Méméneda), linked to the God".It derives from the African (Akan Ashanti) word "Mene > Méméneda".
Ama is a feminine name that means "This name derives from the African (Akan Ashanti) (Èʋe) “mene,” meaning “born on Saturday (Méméneda), linked to the God". Its African (Akan Ashanti) origins reflect deep cultural values and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Parents choosing this name often appreciate its profound significance and timeless appeal.
Quick Facts About Ama
Quick facts about Ama
Origin
African (Akan Ashanti), African (Èʋe)
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Uncommon
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the African (Akan Ashanti) (Èʋe) “mene,” meaning “born on Saturday (Méméneda), linked to the God.” The Akan and Ewe people frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born. These names have spread throughout Ghana and Jamaica. For example, in Jamaica, the following day names have been recorded: Monday, Cudjoe; Tuesday, Cubbenah; Wednesday, Quaco; Thursday, Quao; Friday, Cuffee; Saturday, Quamin; Sunday, Quashee. The Akwasidae festival is celebrated by the Ashanti people and chiefs in Ashanti, as well as the Ashanti diaspora. The festival is celebrated on a Sunday, once every six weeks, and the Akwasidae Festival is next only in importance to the national day celebrations.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
Mene > Méméneda
How to Pronounce Ama
Ama is pronounced /ˈɑː.mə/
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Am-a
Say it like: "AM-A"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Ama is predominantly used in african (western) speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
african (western)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ama
What does the name Ama mean?
Ama means "This name derives from the African (Akan Ashanti) (Èʋe) “mene,” meaning “born on Saturday (Méméneda), linked to the God.” The Akan and Ewe people frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born. These names have spread throughout Ghana and Jamaica. For example, in Jamaica, the following day names have been recorded: Monday, Cudjoe; Tuesday, Cubbenah; Wednesday, Quaco; Thursday, Quao; Friday, Cuffee; Saturday, Quamin; Sunday, Quashee. The Akwasidae festival is celebrated by the Ashanti people and chiefs in Ashanti, as well as the Ashanti diaspora. The festival is celebrated on a Sunday, once every six weeks, and the Akwasidae Festival is next only in importance to the national day celebrations.". The name comes from Mene > Méméneda. This african (akan ashanti) name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Ama for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the African (Akan Ashanti) (Èʋe) “mene,” meaning “born on Saturday (Méméneda), linked to the God.” The Akan and Ewe people frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born. These names have spread throughout Ghana and Jamaica. For example, in Jamaica, the following day names have been recorded: Monday, Cudjoe; Tuesday, Cubbenah; Wednesday, Quaco; Thursday, Quao; Friday, Cuffee; Saturday, Quamin; Sunday, Quashee. The Akwasidae festival is celebrated by the Ashanti people and chiefs in Ashanti, as well as the Ashanti diaspora. The festival is celebrated on a Sunday, once every six weeks, and the Akwasidae Festival is next only in importance to the national day celebrations." as a quality they hope to see in their child. Ama offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices. The name is associated with qualities like SEVEN-DAY WEEK (SATURDAY), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Ama?
Ama has african (akan ashanti) and african (Èʋe) origins. The name traces back to Mene > Méméneda. The name remains closely tied to african (western) naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The african (akan ashanti) meaning "This name derives from the African (Akan Ashanti) (Èʋe) “mene,” meaning “born on Saturday (Méméneda), linked to the God.” The Akan and Ewe people frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born. These names have spread throughout Ghana and Jamaica. For example, in Jamaica, the following day names have been recorded: Monday, Cudjoe; Tuesday, Cubbenah; Wednesday, Quaco; Thursday, Quao; Friday, Cuffee; Saturday, Quamin; Sunday, Quashee. The Akwasidae festival is celebrated by the Ashanti people and chiefs in Ashanti, as well as the Ashanti diaspora. The festival is celebrated on a Sunday, once every six weeks, and the Akwasidae Festival is next only in importance to the national day celebrations." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Ama a boy or girl name?
Ama is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In african (akan ashanti) tradition, Ama has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the African (Akan Ashanti) (Èʋe) “mene,” meaning “born on Saturday (Méméneda), linked to the God.” The Akan and Ewe people frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born. These names have spread throughout Ghana and Jamaica. For example, in Jamaica, the following day names have been recorded: Monday, Cudjoe; Tuesday, Cubbenah; Wednesday, Quaco; Thursday, Quao; Friday, Cuffee; Saturday, Quamin; Sunday, Quashee. The Akwasidae festival is celebrated by the Ashanti people and chiefs in Ashanti, as well as the Ashanti diaspora. The festival is celebrated on a Sunday, once every six weeks, and the Akwasidae Festival is next only in importance to the national day celebrations." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Ama?
Ama is pronounced "/ˈɑː.mə/". This pronunciation follows ak language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Ama is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with african (akan ashanti) names, listening to a native speaker say Ama can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Ama?
Ama is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Ama gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Ama's popularity may vary between african (akan ashanti) communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the African (Akan Ashanti) (Èʋe) “mene,” meaning “born on Saturday (Méméneda), linked to the God.” The Akan and Ewe people frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born. These names have spread throughout Ghana and Jamaica. For example, in Jamaica, the following day names have been recorded: Monday, Cudjoe; Tuesday, Cubbenah; Wednesday, Quaco; Thursday, Quao; Friday, Cuffee; Saturday, Quamin; Sunday, Quashee. The Akwasidae festival is celebrated by the Ashanti people and chiefs in Ashanti, as well as the Ashanti diaspora. The festival is celebrated on a Sunday, once every six weeks, and the Akwasidae Festival is next only in importance to the national day celebrations." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Ama holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Ama commonly used?
Ama is used primarily in african (western) naming traditions. Though african (akan ashanti) in origin, Ama found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the African (Akan Ashanti) (Èʋe) “mene,” meaning “born on Saturday (Méméneda), linked to the God.” The Akan and Ewe people frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born. These names have spread throughout Ghana and Jamaica. For example, in Jamaica, the following day names have been recorded: Monday, Cudjoe; Tuesday, Cubbenah; Wednesday, Quaco; Thursday, Quao; Friday, Cuffee; Saturday, Quamin; Sunday, Quashee. The Akwasidae festival is celebrated by the Ashanti people and chiefs in Ashanti, as well as the Ashanti diaspora. The festival is celebrated on a Sunday, once every six weeks, and the Akwasidae Festival is next only in importance to the national day celebrations." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Ama into their naming traditions. A child named Ama will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Ama is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Ama?
Ama carries associations with SEVEN-DAY WEEK (SATURDAY). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the African (Akan Ashanti) (Èʋe) “mene,” meaning “born on Saturday (Méméneda), linked to the God.” The Akan and Ewe people frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born. These names have spread throughout Ghana and Jamaica. For example, in Jamaica, the following day names have been recorded: Monday, Cudjoe; Tuesday, Cubbenah; Wednesday, Quaco; Thursday, Quao; Friday, Cuffee; Saturday, Quamin; Sunday, Quashee. The Akwasidae festival is celebrated by the Ashanti people and chiefs in Ashanti, as well as the Ashanti diaspora. The festival is celebrated on a Sunday, once every six weeks, and the Akwasidae Festival is next only in importance to the national day celebrations." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In african (akan ashanti) culture, where Ama originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Ama sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Ama often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In african (western) communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.