Yaw Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Yaw is an Akan name meaning 'Thursday born', originating from the Akan language in Ghana. It has remained consistent in form and holds cultural significance. The name reflects traits of belonging and identity within the Akan community, with no biblical relevance. Its popularity has grown in recent years, especially among those embracing African cultural heritage.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Yaw"
Pronunciation
/jɔː/
Origin
Akan
Etymology
Yaw is derived from the Akan language of Ghana, which is spoken by the Akan people. In the Akan naming tradition, Yaw specifically refers to a male born on a Thursday.
Meaning
Thursday born
Language Evolution
Yaw
Historical Usage
The name Yaw has been used among the Akan people for centuries and has gained visibility in Western contexts due to increased interest in African names and cultures.
Variants & Derivatives
Yao, Yawson
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Yaw is viewed positively as a culturally rich name that reflects heritage and tradition, especially in Ghana and among the diaspora.
Famous People
Yaw Osei Adutwum, Yaw Tog
📊 Yaw Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Yaw Name Visualizations
✨ Yaw Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 18 peak births in 1997
Geographic Spread
Popular across 1 US states, with strongest presence in New York
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 4 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Yaw"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Yaw"
"Yaw" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 7089th of 10718 | 26 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 6742nd of 16616 | 84 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 6281st of 24088 | 186 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 8427th of 23106 | 102 |
Regional Popularity of "Yaw" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
63.07% 3257th/5164 |
- | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Yaw" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Yaw"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Yaw" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Yaw" in the United States
The name Yaw is most popular in New York, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Yaw has been stalled for male in Northeast. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in Northeast. Across generations, 'Yaw' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 7089th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6742nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 6281st out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 8427th out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Yaw' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.