Abena Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: ah-BAY-nah //æˈbeɪ.nə//
Origin: Akan; Ghanaian
Meaning: Born on Tuesday (Akan)
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Abena has its roots in the Akan language of Ghana, where it is traditionally given to girls born on a Tuesday. The Akan people have a rich cultural heritage, and their naming conventions are closely tied to the days of the week, with each day associated with specific names and attributes.
The etymology of Abena can be traced back to the Akan word for Tuesday, which is "Benada," reflecting the significance of the day in the cultural context of the Akan community. This linguistic connection highlights the importance of time and the natural world in Akan naming practices.
Historically, the name Abena has been part of the Akan naming tradition for centuries, with its usage documented in various forms of oral history and cultural practices. The Akan people, primarily located in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, have a long-standing tradition of naming children based on the day of the week they are born, which is believed to influence their personality and destiny.
This practice has been preserved through generations, with names like Abena serving as a reminder of one's heritage and identity. Culturally, Abena carries significant resonance within Akan society, symbolizing not only the day of birth but also the values and characteristics associated with that day.
In Akan culture, Tuesday is often linked to qualities such as strength and resilience, which may be reflected in the individuals who bear the name. The name Abena, along with its male counterpart, Abena, reinforces the communal and familial bonds within the Akan community, serving as a connection to ancestry and cultural identity.
This enduring tradition underscores the importance of names in conveying cultural narratives and personal significance.
Famous people named Abena
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Abena was first seen in the United States in 1971. Abena has ranked as high as #1358 nationally, which occurred in 2006, and has been most popular in New York, Maryland, and Virginia. In the past 5 years the name Abena has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Abena (2009)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| VA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1971 | 7 |
| 1972 | 17 |
| 1973 | 18 |
| 1974 | 17 |
| 1975 | 14 |
| 1976 | 13 |
| 1977 | 11 |
| 1978 | 5 |
| 1979 | 7 |
| 1980 | 12 |
| 1981 | 10 |
| 1983 | 8 |
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1987 | 16 |
| 1988 | 5 |
| 1989 | 16 |
| 1990 | 10 |
| 1991 | 13 |
| 1992 | 11 |
| 1993 | 7 |
| 1994 | 9 |
| 1995 | 7 |
| 1996 | 19 |
| 1997 | 11 |
| 1998 | 10 |
| 1999 | 12 |
| 2000 | 15 |
| 2001 | 12 |
| 2002 | 14 |
| 2003 | 21 |
| 2004 | 20 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 25 |
| 2007 | 15 |
| 2008 | 17 |
| 2009 | 16 |
| 2010 | 16 |
| 2011 | 7 |
| 2012 | 15 |
| 2013 | 17 |
| 2014 | 16 |
| 2015 | 13 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 12 |