Surname Kojo - Meaning and Origin
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Kojo: What does the surname Kojo mean?
The last name Kojo is a Southern African name of unknown origin. It has been seen as far back as 17th century Ghana, in present day West Africa. One of the Faama clan chiefs of the Asante Kingdom in Ghana is believed to have the name.
Kojo is most commonly seen in Ghana and other parts of West Africa, although its presence has been reported in other African countries such as Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Within these countries, the name is linked to the Akan ethnic group, an ethno-linguistic group native to Ghana. It is also believed to be used as a name by the Yoruba people of Nigeria.
Speculation suggests the name Kojo could have derived from various African languages, such as the Yoruba language. "Ko" is believed to mean "born on" and "jo" is believed to mean "Monday". This could mean that the name is given to a person born on a Monday.
It is also theorized that the name could be of Akan origin and could be derived from the Akan phrase "ko-ho mpo", which means "blessing from the gods".
The language the name Kojo originates from still remains unknown, however, what is certain is that it is highly esteemed in parts of Africa.
Order DNA origin analysisKojo: Where does the name Kojo come from?
The last name Kojo is most commonly found today in western Africa, particularly Ghana, Togo and Nigeria. It is a surname that is held primarily by the Akan people, a West African ethnic group living in the southern part of Ghana and the coastal areas of the Ivory Coast. The name is quite common, estimated to have been adopted by up to 30,000 people.
The name Kojo is thought to have derived from the Akan and Twi languages of western Africa, and is interpreted to mean “born on Monday”. It is believed that by assigning family members Certain names according to their date of birth, families could tell which members belonged to which households.
The majority of the people who adopted the last name Kojo were believed to have done so out of spiritual reverence - honoring their ancestors by taking on the name. It is also thought that influencers such as chiefs and wealthy traders often adopted the name Kojo as a symbol of their status in society.
Today, the name Kojo is associated with strong principles of respect and devotion to family. It is quite common among descendants of the Akan people - most notably in Ghana, Togo and Nigeria. As a result, the last name Kojo can be found in many West African countries.
Variations of the surname Kojo
The surname Kojo is of African origin and can be seen in many different parts of the continent. It is derived from the ancient Akan language where it has many variant spellings and surnames. In Ghana, it is also spelled as Kwaku, Kwakw and Kwakuwa. In Sierra Leone it is often seen as Kwaykwao, Kowai and even Kwakuwa. In Liberia, it is usually written as Kowoe, Kowoi, Kowow and Kowo. In Nigeria, it is most commonly found as Kwaku, Kwakwa and Kaka. In the United States it is also very common and can be seen spelled in many different ways such as Coyo, Koojo, Kojoa, Koho, Kwajo, Kowo, Kowoe and Kwako.
In Ghana, the surname Kojo is very commonly used and is often linked to wealth and power. It is thought to stem from an ancient tradition that involved naming children after the local shrine spirit known as the Kwaku. In Nigeria, the surname is seen as a sign of great spiritual strength and protection. In Sierra Leone, the surname Kojo is seen as a symbol of good fortune and luck.
No matter the spelling, the surname Kojo is a well-known surname with ancient roots of respect, spirituality and power. In almost all countries it is seen as a source of honor and pride.
Famous people with the name Kojo
- Kojo Annan: Son of Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations.
- Kojo Nnamdi: American broadcast journalist.
- Kojo Mensah: Ghanaian footballer.
- Kojo Antoni-Napkwabi: Ghanaian-American entrepreneur and activist.
- Kojo Oppong Nkrumah: Ghanaian politician and Minister of Information.
- Kojo Asiedu: Ghanaian actor.
- Kojo Kodjo Dei: Ghanaian footballer.
- Kojo Ampah: Ghanaian lawyer and entrepreneur.
- Kojo Mendes: Ghanaian businessman and former Member of Parliament.
- Kojo Yinkah: Ghanaian academic, singer, and author.
- Kojo Oduro Jaako: Ghanaian High Court judge.
- Kojo Dei Setor: Liberian politician and member of the House of Representatives of Liberia.
- Kojo Afari: Ghanaianist and author.
- Kojo Annang: Nigerian high-life musician.
- Kojo Akusa: Ghanaian poet and author.
- Kojo steve Yevu: Ghanaian professional footballer.
- Kojo Addae-Mensah: Ghanaian footballer.
- Kojo Beecham: Ghanaian economist and academic.
- Kojo Antwi: Ghanaian reggae and highlife singer.
- Kojo Agyemang: Ghanaian footballer.