Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Ashanti
GirlAkan· “from the Ashanti people of Ghana”
- Meaning
- from the Ashanti people of Ghana
- Origin
- Akan
- Pronunciation
- uh-SHAHN-tee
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #2,102
- US babies 2025
- 89
- Best rank
- #115 (2002)
- Peak year
- 2002
Meaning and origin of Ashanti
Ashanti is an Akan name that is usually said to mean “from the Ashanti people of Ghana”.
Ashanti comes from the Asante people of Ghana, one of the largest Akan groups, whose kingdom was a major power in West Africa for centuries. The Asante Empire was known for its gold, its elaborate royal traditions and the Golden Stool that symbolizes the nation. As a given name, Ashanti gained visibility in the United States through the singer Ashanti. It carries a strong sense of African heritage and cultural pride. The name has a rhythmic, graceful sound, and nicknames like Ash and Shanti come easily.
Popularity over time
Ashanti first appears in US Social Security records in 1970. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 19 different years, starting in 1979. Its best national rank was #115 in 2002, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,946 babies. In 2025, 89 babies were named Ashanti, and it ranked #2,102 nationally. That is 43% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #822 in 1980, #1,021 in 2000, #1,063 in 2010, and #2,102 in 2025. Of the 12,576 US girls named Ashanti since records began, 52% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 2,173 babies. Since 2010, 2,488 more have been named Ashanti.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Alexia, Lizbeth, Gabriela, Jade, and Abby.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ashanti ranked highest in Michigan, Virginia, and Georgia.
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Ashanti over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Ashanti is usually pronounced uh-SHAHN-tee, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with A and ends in “-ti”.
Middle names for Ashanti
A few middle names that flow with Ashanti: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ashanti
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Lists that include Ashanti
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ashanti mean?
Ashanti is an Akan name that is usually said to mean “from the Ashanti people of Ghana”.
What is the origin of the name Ashanti?
Ashanti has Akan roots. Ashanti comes from the Asante people of Ghana, one of the largest Akan groups, whose kingdom was a major power in West Africa for centuries.
Is Ashanti a popular name?
Not especially. Ashanti ranked #2,102 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Ashanti a boy or girl name?
Ashanti is mainly a girl's name. About 99% of US babies named Ashanti over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Ashanti?
Ashanti is usually pronounced uh-SHAHN-tee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings