60+ Unique Ghanaian Last Names (With Meanings)

Ghana, located in West Africa, is a lively nation with many cultural traditions. It has an array of languages and names that are like threads making up its rich tapestry from diverse heritage. Ghanaian last names carry weighty significance. They not only reveal details about lineage and history but also provide a sense of identity as well.

Let’s go deeper into the complexities associated with last names in Ghana: their meanings, beginnings and how they are shaped by cultural environment.

 

About Ghana

Ghana, which is officially known as the Republic of Ghana, can be found along the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean. Famous for its history richness, Ghana was the first African country to get freedom from colonial control in the year 1957.

This nation has many different ethnic groups living there like the Akan people, the Ewe group, the Mole-Dagbani community, Ga-Dangme society, and others; all these contribute to a mixed cultural environment within the country border.

 

About Ghanaian Names

The names in Ghana, especially last names, have a strong connection with the culture and history of this country. Often, these names show the ethnic background of the person, the family line they belong to, their social standing, or how they were born.

For many cultures in Ghana, naming is not merely about giving a name but an opportunity to tell stories that hold values and customs from one generation to another. Source

 

Some Ghanaian Last Names with Meanings

• Mensah: A common Akan name meaning “third-born son.”
• Owusu: Means “strong-willed” or “determined” in Akan.
• Tetteh: A Ga name meaning “first-born twin.”
• Adjei: In Akan, it means “king” or “chief.”
• Nyarko: An Akan name meaning “blessing from God.”
• Koomson: Derived from “Koom,” meaning “able” or “capable” in Akan.
• Addo: Means “king of the road” in Ga.
• Annan: Means “fourth-born child” in Fante, a dialect of Akan. Source

 

Unique Ghanaian Last Names with Meanings

• Dziedzorm: An Ewe name meaning “God has heard me.”
• Osei-Tutu: A name of royal Akan origin, referring to the founder of the Ashanti Empire.
• Ayim: In Akan, it means “he who doesn’t like trouble.”
• Agyei: Means “savior” in Akan.
• Nkansah: An Akan name meaning “one who is ever-ready or vigilant.”
• Adadevoh: A Ga name meaning “the creator has come home.”
• Buabeng: An Akan name signifying “a place of refuge.”
• Fianoo: Means “God has made me” in Fante.

 

Popular Ghanaian Last Names with Meanings

• Appiah: A common Akan name meaning “prince” or “noble.”
• Boateng: Means “someone who came by boat” in Akan, often given to those with historical ties to migration.
• Gyasi: An Akan name meaning “wonderful” or “amazing.”
• Kwarteng: Means “born on the evening of a big day” in Akan.
• Asante: Reflects the name of the Ashanti people, meaning “warlike” or “brave.”
• Acheampong: An Akan name meaning “he who is of royal descent.”
• Compare: A name from the Akan people, signifying “one who keeps promises.”
• Amoako: Means “he who has a strong desire to succeed” in Akan.

 

Additional Ghanaian Last Names with Meanings

• Aboagye: An Akan name meaning “strong or powerful one.”
• Acheampong: Means “one who is of royal or noble descent” in Akan.
• Amankwah: An Akan name meaning “one who is generous or hospitable.”
• Ampofo: Means “one who is worthy of praise” in Akan.
• Antwi: An Akan name meaning “one who is a great warrior.”
• Arhin: Means “born on a journey” in Akan.
• Asiedu: An Akan name meaning “one who brings peace.”
• Baffour: Means “noble or respected elder” in Akan.
• Baiden: A Fante name meaning “one who is kind-hearted.”
• Bekoe: Means “one who overcomes or conquers” in Akan.
• Botwe: An Akan name meaning “one who is industrious.”
• Budu: Means “one who is protective” in Akan.
• Cudjoe: Derived from “Kojo,” meaning “Monday-born” in Akan.
• Dadzie: A Fante name meaning “one who is a leader or guide.”
• Nkrumah: Derived from the Fante language, meaning “ninth-born child.”
• Ntiamoah: An Akan name meaning “one who is blessed or fortunate.”
• Obeng: Means “one who is courageous” in Akan.
• Ofosu: An Akan name meaning “one who is dependable.”