Yaa

“Akan”

Ghana origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#17487US 2023

5Births / yr

↓Falling

251All-time births

📅 Since 197800

What does Yaa mean and where does it come from?

Yaa is an Akan name used predominantly in Ghana, deriving from the local naming tradition where children are named after the day of the week they were born. In this context, 'Yaa' specifically denotes a female born on a Thursday. This naming practice is significant in Ghanaian culture, reflecting th

Cultural significance

Yaa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ghana-speaking communities, where it reflects values of akan.

Peak popularity

Reached #8176 in 1985 — currently #17487 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Yaa?

Yaa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Yaa Grace

How popular is Yaa right now?

Falling — down 2284 spots — currently #17487 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#17487 · Top 13%

1980

1985

2000

2005

2010

2015

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#17487	5	▼ down 2284 · -17% births
2022	#15203	6	▼ down 5510 · -45% births
2015	#9693	11	▲ up 4188 · +57% births
2010	#13881	7	▼ down 5336 · -46% births
2005	#8545	13	▲ up 1684 · +44% births
2000	#10229	9	▼ down 2053 · +13% births
1985	#8176	8	▲ up 3556 · +60% births
1980	#11732	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Yaa

Best Year1985Rank #8176

Peak Count13

Average Rank#11868

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1980 - 20238 years

The story of Yaa

Yaa is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1978. With 251 total births recorded, Yaa remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #11732 in 1980, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #17487 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Yaa in 1985:

Jessica Ashley Jennifer Amanda Sarah

Yaa by decade

Yaa peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	12
1980s	26
1990s	47
2000s ★	96
2010s	70

💎Yaa has only 251 total recorded births since 1978 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Yaa?

Common

YaieYay

What names sound and feel like Yaa?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Yaa also consider these

Naa

Ghana · Mother

Myaa

American · A variant spelling

Haa

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Yar

Middle Eastern countries · أحد الأسماء المحبوبة

Ayaa

English · A meaningful name

Yan

Chinese · 燕

Yaz

American · A beloved name

Yara

Arabic · Small butterfly

Common questions about the name Yaa

What does the name Yaa mean?

Yaa means "Akan" — a name rooted in Ghana tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Yaa?

Yaa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Yaa?

Yaa originates from Ghana tradition. Ghana names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How does Yaa sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Yaa flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Yaa ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.

Is Yaa a common or rare name?

Yaa is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.