Awa

♀ Girl

Pronounced AH-wah /ˈɑ.wɑ/Medium

Meaning: From Akan Awo/Awa, 'born on a Thursday'; also a West African form of Hawa (Eve), 'living one; the first woman'; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Born on Thursday; the first woman: Awa is West African — 'born on a Thursday' (and a form of Eve). Soft, warm, and lyrical.

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Origin MediumAkan, Arabic

MeaningFrom Akan Awo/Awa, 'born on a Thursday'; also a West African form of Hawa (Eve), 'living one; the first woman'; routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#5446 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births23 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2005

Total births (all-time)≈ 842

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Awa comes from Akan day-naming, 'born on a Thursday' (Ghana), and is also a widespread West African form of Hawa (Eve), 'the living one; the mother of all living' (routes layered, which we note). A soft, warm, lyrical name across West Africa (said 'AH-wah').

In the U.S. it appears in West African families. Rare, born-on-Thursday-or-Eve at the root, and warm.

Did you know? Awa means 'born on a Thursday' in Akan day-naming — and is a beloved West African form of Hawa (Eve), 'the living one; the first woman'; a soft, warm name (the routes are layered, which we note).

Overall data confidence 60%

References — Awa — routes layered

Variations

HawaAwoAva

Nicknames

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If you like Awa…

Hawa— a fellow form (Eve)

Aisha— a fellow 'life'-rooted girls' name

Ara— a similarly popular pick

Aya— echoes that soft -a sound

Zia— shares Awa's Arabic roots

Explore names like Awa

By themeuncertain arabic west-african akan

By meaningLife

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Awa mean?

Awa is Akan for 'born on a Thursday', and a West African form of Hawa (Eve); the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Awa?

It's said AH-wah /ˈɑ.wɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Awa a boy or girl name?

Awa is a girl's name.

How popular is Awa?

Awa is a rare name in the U.S.