Akosua

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Akosua is an Akan female name for a girl born on Sunday (Kwasiada). It is used by Akan groups such as the Ashanti, Akuapem, Akyem, Akwamu, Bono, and Fante (though Fante spell it as Esi). The name means agility, and its appellation is Dampo, reflecting that trait.

In Akan culture, day names come from deities. Sunday is linked to the Lord of Life, the descent deity of the day. Women born on Sunday are thought to be natural leaders and very curious, often drawn to things that interest them, a quality described as “clearer of the way” (obue-akwan).

Spelling varies by subgroup: Akosua is common among Akuapem, Akyem, Akwamu, Bono, and Ashanti; the Fante subgroup uses Esi. Day names have male/female pairs, so the male name for Sunday is Kwasi (or Akwasi). Many Ghanaian children have a day name together with their English or Christian names.