Find out how popular the first name Efia has been for the last 4 years (from 1975 to 1978) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Efia by gender

Based on the last 4 years of data, Efia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1978, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Efia.

The history of the first name Efia

The name Efia is a feminine given name of Akan origin, used primarily among the Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast in West Africa. The root of the name is believed to derive from the Akan word "efe," which means "born on Friday." The Akans have a rich tradition of naming children based on the day of the week they were born.

In the Akan culture, Friday is considered a sacred day dedicated to the Akan god Ɔdomankoma. As such, children born on this day were often given names that reflected this significance, with Efia being a popular choice for girls. The name has been used for centuries among the Akan people, and its origins can be traced back to the pre-colonial era.

While there are no known direct references to the name Efia in ancient texts or religious scriptures, the name has been a part of Akan oral traditions and naming customs for generations. It has been passed down through families and communities, carrying cultural and spiritual significance.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Efia can be found in the work of Ghanaian historian and writer J.E. Casely Hayford, who documented Akan names and their meanings in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Another notable early bearer of the name was Efia Nkrumah, the mother of Ghana's first president, Kwame Nkrumah, who was born in the late 19th century.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Efia. Efia Tawiah Nyan (1908-1968) was a Ghanaian educator and women's rights activist who played a significant role in the country's independence movement. Efia Kodjo (1936-2021) was a Ghanaian politician and advocate for women's empowerment, serving as a member of parliament and a minister in the Ghanaian government.

Efia Kafrah (1943-2022) was a prominent Ghanaian actress and playwright, known for her contributions to the Ghanaian theatre scene. Efia Nyarkoh (born 1949) is a renowned Ghanaian musician and singer who has been a leading figure in the promotion of traditional Ghanaian music.

Lastly, Efia Odo (born 1986) is a Ghanaian actress and television personality who has gained popularity for her roles in various Ghanaian films and television shows.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Efia was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Efia, please contact us.

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