In the list of mind-boggling variety of baby names, it may be a little hard for parents to find a name that is profound in meaning. Many parents are looking for names that do not just sound pleasant but words with a story and heritage to tell. And “Kofi” is one name of rather simple style but high in substance in terms of cultural legacy.
The following article “Kofi Meaning: More Than Just A Boy’s Name” explains the origin, meaning, and beyond of the name ‘Kofi’. Just keep reading to find more of why ‘Kofi’ is more than just a boy’s name—it’s a name with a story.
Learn About The “Kofi meaning”
The name Kofi, originating from the Twi language of Ghana, holds significant cultural meaning. In Twi, Kofi, coming from Kwaofida, translates to “Born on Friday,” a name traditionally given to male children born on this day.
This practice stems from the Akan people of Ghana, who assign specific names to children based on the day of their birth.
The origins of Kofi can be traced back to ancient Akan traditions, where naming a child after their birthday was believed to bestow certain attributes and characteristics associated with that day. This practice not only honored ancestors but also connected individuals to their cultural roots.
In contemporary times, the Kofi meaning remains popular among the Akan people and has gained global recognition. Increased cultural exchange and migration have spread the name beyond Ghana, making it a symbol of cultural identity and pride for people of African descent worldwide.
Origin: Ghanaian
Gender: Boy
Kofi Meaning: Born on Friday
Variations: Koit, Kori, Koji
Close Alternative of Kofi
Koffi may be the closest alternative to Kofi. It can be used as a first name and a surname for the boy. Both share the meaning of “born on Friday” in the Akan language. Because of its association with males, “Koffi” is usually used for male first names.
Nicknames For Boys Named Kofi
Koffee, Kof, and Cuffy are some possible and cool nicknames for boys who are named Kofi.
Popularity of Kofi Name
According to SSA (Social Security Administration), the popularity data of the name Kofi is as below1:
| Year | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
| Ranking | 4,410 | 3,343 | 2,688 | 2,965 | 3,101 | 2,795 | 2,894 | 3,140 |
15 Similar Names To Kofi
If you love the Kofi meaning but want some names that sound a little bit different, here is this list of 20 similar names to Kofi for you:
| Kobi | Koby | Kolby | Colby | Kavi |
| Khari | Coby | Keoni | Colbie | Jacobi |
| Loki | Kobe | Kaiya | Kymani | Bailby |
10 Sibling Names With Kofi
Are you looking for sibling names with Kofi? Below are some amazing choices for you to consider:
| Afi | Kojo | Kosi | Apollo | Cayden |
| Kwasi | Liam | Koen | Kwashi | Agyei |
Famous People With the Name Kofi
Now, meet some inspiring people sharing this remarkable Kofi meaning and check out their accomplishments!
- Kofi Annan: Nobel Peace Prize laureate and the seventh United Nations Secretary-General (1997-2006).
- Kofi Kingston: Professional wrestler and WWE champion.
- Kofi Burbridge: Renowned keyboardist and flutist, known for his work with the Tedeschi Trucks Band.
- Kofi Siriboe: Actor and model, known for his roles in the TV series “Queen Sugar” and the movie “Girls Trip.”
- Kofi Amoah: Ghanaian businessman and sports administrator.
- Kofi Olomide: Congolese Soukous singer, dancer, and producer.
- Kofi Awoonor: Ghanaian poet and author, notable for his poetry and novels.
- Kofi Asante: Ghanaian soccer player who has played for several international clubs.
- Kofi Busia: Ghanaian politician and former Prime Minister of Ghana.
- Kofi Bonner: Real estate developer and former executive with the Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers.
Kofi In Pop Culture
The name Kofi has also appeared in many shows. Let’s discover some iconic examples below:
TV Series Steven Universe
This is an American animated TV series for Cartoon Network, created by Rebecca Sugar. The story is about Steven Universe—a little boy who is half-human and half-Gem hero. His mom was Rose Quartz, who was a leader of all the Gems, and his dad was a human. The setting of the show involves love, family, identity, and self-discovery within the colorful and creative universe backdrop.
Kofi Pizza is a supporting character in the Steven Universe. He is the parent of Kiki and Jenny Pizza. He is also the owner of Fish Stew Pizza, a local pizzeria business in the town of Beach City. Kofi is apt to be strict and a little traditional, usually emphasizing such values as hard work and family. Underneath Kofi’s steely exterior lies a man who loves his family and business fervently. These interactions with the main characters, particularly Steven, do add this layer to the fantastical elements of the show: that of everyday life and community.
Album Kofi of Donald Byrd
The album named Kofi is a significant work of Donald Byrd, a jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd. This Kofi album was recorded during the late 1960s and released in 1995 by Blue Note Records. The album blends hard bop with elements of soul and Afro-Cuban jazz.
In the album, Kofi is the title track and one of the standout pieces. Other key tracks you may like are Fufu, Perpetual Love, Elmina, and The Loud Minority.
Upon its release, Kofi was well-received by jazz enthusiasts and critics, who praised its compositions and Byrd’s performance.
KOFI AM radio station in Kalispell, US
1180 AM KOFI is a licensed radio station located in and serving Kalispell, Montana, in the U.S. state of Montana. KOFI features a classic hits format—the station plays popular music from past decades, notably including the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. The station also provides local news, talk shows, and coverage for local high school and college sports.
Last words
We can say that Kofi stands as a testament to cultural identity and pride. A name such as Kofi, celebrated in various forms of popular culture, makes it a lot more than just another cute name given to a little boy. All makes Kofi a timeless and meaningful name selection for any child.
Sources
- Popular Baby Names. (n.d.). https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/ ↩︎
