In parts of West Africa, each child is given a name to indicate the day on which it is born as well as another more individual one. The day names bear some relation to star signs in that a child born on a particular day of the week is supposed to develope certain characteristics. There is some evidence that the prejudices this causes can affect the child: Wednesday is a 'bad' day to be born, for the child is supposed to be a quick-tempered, aggressive, trouble-maker. Boys named Kwaku appear in Juvenile Courts far more often than would be predicted statistically, whilst those called Kwadwo (Monday's children are quiet and peaceful) generally stay out of trouble.
| Day | Boys | Girls |
| Sunday | Kwasi, Kwesi, Kwashie | Akosua, Awushie, Esi |
| Monday | Kwadwo, Kedjo, Kojo | Adwoa, Adojoa, Juba |
| Tuesday | Kwabena, Kobla, Bobo | Abena, Abla |
| Wednesday | Kwaku | Akua, Aku |
| Thursday | Kwao, Yaw | Awo, Abba, Yaa |
| Friday | Kofi | Afua, Afia, Efia |
| Saturday | Kwame | Amma, Ama |
This collection of names was compiled by Kate Monk and is ©1997, Kate Monk.
Copies may be made for personal use only.