Kofi Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Kofi is an Akan name meaning 'born on Friday', with roots in the Akan language. It has evolved through the Twi dialect and has been used for generations. The name is associated with cultural significance and is popular among those celebrating African heritage. There is no biblical relevance. Kofi gained international visibility through notable figures, enhancing its perception positively in modern contexts.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Kofi"
Pronunciation
/ˈkoʊ.fi/
Origin
Akan (Ghana)
Etymology
Kofi is derived from the Akan language, where it means 'born on Friday'. It is typically given to boys born on that day of the week.
Meaning
born on Friday
Language Evolution
Akan, Twi
Historical Usage
The name Kofi has been used among the Akan people of Ghana for centuries, gaining international recognition in the late 20th century due to prominent figures bearing the name.
Variants & Derivatives
Kofe, Kofii
Modern Popularity & Image
Kofi is viewed positively, often associated with cultural pride and heritage, particularly in Ghana and among the African diaspora.
Famous People
Kofi Annan - Former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Kingston - Professional wrestler
📊 Kofi Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Kofi Name Visualizations
✨ Kofi Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 55 peak births in 2004
Geographic Spread
Popular across 10 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 6 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Kofi"
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 "Kofi"
"Kofi" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3006th of 10718 | 182 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2882nd of 16616 | 329 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2919th of 24088 | 570 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 3244th of 23106 | 425 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 19264th of 19264 | 5 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 30306th of 30306 | 5 |
Regional Popularity of "Kofi" 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) |
- |
47.80% 1665th/3483 |
- |
60.78% 2458th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
33.27% 1489th/4475 |
- |
63.94% 4039th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
63.31% 2901st/4582 |
31.74% 1639th/5164 |
45.59% 3334th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
76.51% 3048th/3984 |
65.92% 2958th/4487 |
52.68% 3594th/6822 |
69.60% 4368th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Kofi" 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 "Kofi"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Kofi" 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 "Kofi" in the United States
The name Kofi 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. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Kofi has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Kofi' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3006th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2882nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2919th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3244th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 19264th out of 19264 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 30306th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Kofi' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.