Yaw

“born on Thursday”

Ghana origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#12181US 2023

6Births / yr

↓Falling

364All-time births

📅 Since 197300

How to pronounce Yaw

YAW

/ˈjɔ/ · stress on YAW · 1 syllable

“born on Thursday”

Ghana origin · Boy name

What does Yaw mean and where does it come from?

Yaw is a name from the Akan ethnic group in Ghana, traditionally given to boys born on a Thursday. The Akan naming system is rich with cultural significance, with names often reflecting the day of the week a person was born, which is believed to influence their character traits. Yaw is commonly used

Cultural significance

Yaw has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ghana-speaking communities, where it reflects values of born on thursday.

Peak popularity

Reached #3815 in 1997 — currently #12181 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Yaw?

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

Yaw Grace

How popular is Yaw right now?

Falling — down 3236 spots — currently #12181 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#12181 · Top 9.0%

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#12181	6	▼ down 3236 · -33% births
2022	#8945	9	▲ up 720 · +13% births
2021	#9665	8	▼ down 2078 · -20% births
2020	#7587	10	▼ down 801 · -17% births
2015	#6786	12	▲ up 953 · +20% births
2010	#7739	10	▲ up 821 · +25% births
2005	#8560	8	▼ down 2050 · -20% births
2000	#6510	10	▲ up 810 · +43% births
1995	#7320	7	▼ down 1188 · -12% births
1990	#6132	8	▲ up 997 · +60% births
1985	#7129	5	▼ down 247
1980	#6882	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Yaw

Best Year1990Rank #6132

Peak Count12

Average Rank#7953

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1980 - 202312 years

The story of Yaw

Yaw is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1973. With 364 total births recorded, Yaw remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #6882 in 1980, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12181 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Yaw in 1997:

Michael Jacob Matthew Christopher Joshua

Yaw by decade

Yaw peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	21
1980s	37
1990s	90
2000s ★	114
2010s	92
2020s	10

💎Yaw has only 364 total recorded births since 1973 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Yaw?

Common

YawieYawy

What names sound and feel like Yaw?

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

Kyaw

Myanmar · to be victorious,

Israel · God is gracious

Common questions about the name Yaw

What does the name Yaw mean?

Yaw means "born on Thursday" — 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 Yaw?

Yaw is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy 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 Yaw?

Yaw 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 do you pronounce the name Yaw?

Yaw is a one-syllable name pronounced Y AO1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Yaw sound with different last names?

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