Yaa

♀ Girl

Pronounced YAH /ˈjɑː/Medium

Meaning: An Akan day name from Ghana, given to a girl born on a Thursday (the boys' counterpart is Yaw). Akan day names are a living naming tradition, which we note with respect — the name records the day of birth, not a wish or a quality.Medium

In 30 seconds: One open syllable with a story: Yaa is the Akan day name for a girl born on a Thursday (said 'YAH').

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Origin MediumAkan, Ghanaian

MeaningAn Akan day name from Ghana, given to a girl born on a Thursday (the boys' counterpart is Yaw). Akan day names are a living naming tradition, which we note with respect — the name records the day of birth, not a wish or a quality.

U.S. rank (2024)#13368 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2005

Total births (all-time)≈ 269

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

Yaa is an Akan day name from Ghana: the name given to a girl born on a Thursday. Akan day names are a living tradition in which the birth day is written into the name itself, and each day has its own pair of names. We note the tradition with respect. Short, open, and deeply rooted (said 'YAH').

It appears only rarely for girls in the U.S., carried mostly by Ghanaian families. Rare, heritage-rich, and one clear beat.

Did you know? Among the Akan people of Ghana, the day of your birth gives you a name — Yaa for a girl born on Thursday, Yaw for a boy. The writer Yaa Gyasi carries it (said 'YAH').

Overall data confidence 60%

References — Yaa — Akan day name (Ghana): girl born on Thursday; counterpart Yaw

Variations

YabaYa

Nicknames

YayaYaa-Yaa

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Yaa…

Nia— a like short African-rooted pick

Abena— a fellow Akan day name

Ama— another Akan day name in use

Zuri— a similar bright, heritage-flavored choice

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By themeheritage akan ghanaian day-name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Yaa mean?

Yaa is an Akan day name from Ghana, given to a girl born on a Thursday.

How do you pronounce Yaa?

It's said YAH /ˈjɑː/ — one syllable, with a long open vowel.

Is Yaa a boy or girl name?

Yaa is a girl's name; the boys' counterpart for Thursday is Yaw.

How popular is Yaa?

Yaa is a rare name for girls in the U.S.