Kofi is of African origin, specifically from Ghana, where it means "born on Friday." It is a unisex name, traditionally given to children born on that day of the week. The name has gained global recognition and is now used in various cultures around the world. In some traditions, Kofi Annan, the former United Nations Secretary-General who was born on a Friday, is remembered as an example of this name's significance.
The name Kofi has seen a resurgence in popularity recently, with five babies named Kofi in 2023, matching its annual peak from 1976.