Kwaku is a unique and distinctive given name of Akan origin, predominantly used among Ghanaian people. It is derived from the Akan word "kɔ" which means "to be born on Wednesday". Therefore, Kwaku is traditionally given to children born on that day of the week in accordance with Akan naming customs. The name has gained global recognition due to its association with notable figures such as Ghanaian footballer Kwaku Boateng and musician Kwaku Gyimah (popularly known as Koo Nimo). It is often accompanied by other Akan names, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Akan people.
The name Kwaku experienced fluctuations in popularity over the past five decades. It peaked in the late 90s to early 2000s with 18 births in 2002 and consistently high numbers until 2005, indicating a period of increased usage. However, since then, it has shown a general decline, reaching as low as 6 births in 2015. Recent years have seen some recovery, with 10-12 births per year from 2018 to 2023. Overall, there were 475 births recorded between 1970 and 2023.