Amma: 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".
Parents seeking a meaningful feminine name often discover Amma, drawn to its African (Akan Ashanti) heritage and beautiful significance: "This name derives from the African (Akan Ashanti) (Èʋe) “mene,” meaning “born on Saturday (Méméneda), linked to the God". This name offers a perfect blend of cultural depth and personal meaning, making it a timeless choice for families around the world.
Quick Facts About Amma
Quick facts about Amma
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 Amma
Amma is pronounced /ˈæmə/
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Amm-a
Say it like: "AMOOH"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Amma is predominantly used in african (western) speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
african (western)
Frequently Asked Questions About Amma
What does the name Amma mean?
Amma 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 Amma 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. Amma 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 Amma?
Amma 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 Amma a boy or girl name?
Amma 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, Amma 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 Amma?
Amma is pronounced "/ˈæmə/". This pronunciation follows ak language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Amma is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with african (akan ashanti) names, listening to a native speaker say Amma can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Amma?
Amma is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Amma gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Amma'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, Amma holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Amma commonly used?
Amma is used primarily in african (western) naming traditions. Though african (akan ashanti) in origin, Amma 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 Amma into their naming traditions. A child named Amma 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, Amma is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Amma?
Amma 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 Amma 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 Amma sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Amma 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.