The "Dantata" in Alhaji Alhassan Dantata's name comes from the Hausa phrase "Dan Tata," which means "son of Tata". This nickname was given to him because a servant named Tata played a significant role in raising him after his mother moved to Accra. Alhassan Dantata's family was known for its trading activities, and his nickname became associated with the family's prominence in business.