Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Mkrumah

      Origin

      Akan Language, Ghana

      Meaning

      Ruler or King in Akan Culture

      Variations

      Nkrumah, Frumah, Nkruma
      The name Mkrumah, derived from the Akan language spoken in Ghana, translates to Ruler or King. This nomenclature reflects the cultural significance attributed to leadership and authority within Akan society. The name encapsulates qualities associated with governance, dignity, and respect, reinforcing the status of individuals who bear it as figures of influence and power.

      Historically, Mkrumah is closely associated with Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana and a prominent figure in the Pan-African movement. His leadership during Ghana's independence from colonial rule in 1957 marked a significant turning point in African politics. The legacy of Nkrumah has imbued the name with additional historical weight, symbolizing the aspirations for sovereignty and self-determination among African nations. The name has thus become emblematic of resistance against oppression and the quest for national identity.

      In contemporary Ghana and among the Akan people, the name Mkrumah continues to resonate as a symbol of leadership and empowerment. It is commonly used as both a given name and a surname, signifying respect for heritage and the enduring relevance of its historical context. As Ghana continues to evolve, the name remains a reminder of the ideals of democracy and governance that were championed by its notable bearers, influencing new generations to strive for leadership that truly serves the people.

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA

      Explore the origins of another name.