Generating a great startup name can be a quite a task, isn’t it? And especially if you want to avoid using your personal name, religious connotations ( which are very popular with small businesses and corner stores ) or downright pirating of existing global companies, then picking the perfect business name can be daunting and frustrating.
For the past 5-8 years, Akan and a few Northern language catch phrases and words have become quite the thing for Ghanaian startups to use for their business names. A few of these are; SikaApp, Aduanehene, Mmofra Park, NokwareSkincare, Mintoma, Adongo, Jaara, Tonaton etc. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the use of Akan words & phrases don’t get me wrong but what of the Ga language ?
A few startups have taken to the use of Ga words to name their businesses such as Jaarnor meaning market, Hei Julor meaning ‘Hey Thief’ picked by a security firm; TeaBaa meaning tea leaves is a popular eatery in Osu, Forhey meaning to wash used by a laundry startup. Are these startups owned by Ga founders? Not really.
Here are my select list of common Ga words ( mostly nouns) with their meanings and also the industry they can be applied to. I will also share a trick being used by startup name generators to make it way easier than just using the words. You are welcome.
Shia
Meaning: House
Industry: Real Estate / Mortgage Startups
2. Sanfle
Meaning : Key
Industry: Fintech Startups
3. Tsone
Meaning: Car
Industry: Transport / Ride Sharing Startups
4. Gbek3
Meaning: Child
Industry: Maternity & Baby Supplies Startups
5. Tsofa
Meaning: Drug
Industry: Medical startups
6. Samla
Meaning: Soap
Industry: Laundry/Detergent Supplies Startups
7. Saatso
Meaning: Bed
Industry : Interior-design and accessories startups
8. Adoawa
Meaning: Fruit
Industry: Greens & Organics Startups
9. Dzama
Meaning: Celebration
Industry: Entertainment Startups
10. Gowa
Meaning: Guava fruit
Industry: Veggies & Fruits/Fashion Startups
11. Akutu
Meaning: Orange fruit
Industry : Veggies & Fruits/ Beverage Startups
12. Hunu
Meaning: Sun
Industry: Fintech/ Energy Startups
13. Sunde
Meaning: Pillow
Industry: Interiors/Artwork Startups
14. Sane
Meaning: Issues
Industry: Law Firm Startups
15. Manye
Meaning: Queen
Industry: Fashion/ Beauty Startups
16. Ashinor
Meaning: Beads
Industry: Fashion/ Crafts Startups
17. Tsuru
Meaning: The color Red
Industry: Fintech / Medical Startups
18. Dzata
Meaning : Lion
Industry: Fintech/ Fashion / Agribusiness/ Petshop
19. Hewale
Meaning: Healthy
Industry: Medical / Automobile / Music Studio Startup
20. Kunim
Meaning : Victory
Industry: Fintech / Religious App Startups
21. Falefale
Meaning: Neatness
Industry: Cleaning Services / Housekeeping Startups
22. Suban
Meaning: Character
Industry: Educational Startup
Although not a comprehensive list, these are some easy words to inspire naming your startup.
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The trick I mentioned to find that great startup name? Combine two words in the list to create a single startup name . Example: HunuTsuru ( Red Sun) ManyeAshinor ( Queen Beads). Word combination is great not only in this aspect of using Ga words but also for other local languages.
Now it’s so much easier thinking of the name for your startup isn’t it? Think of this; ManyeCouture , Hewale Studio, Kunim Money Wallet, Sunde Interiors, cool isn’t it? Make sure to check the availability of these names on the various social media platforms before you get all excited. If available, save it for later and perhaps start thinking of the domain availability as well. You can also ask your existing customers or prospective audience on the new name to gauge their receptiveness towards it.
Which word was your favourite? Do you know other Ga words which will be awesome for naming a startup? I would love to know them as well, please share in the comments below.