The name Winona carries a certain grace and historical weight, evoking images of strength and beauty. But how popular is the name Winona, and what exactly does it mean? Let’s delve into the history, popularity trends, and appealing alternatives to this classic name.
(Image of a baby girl with the name Winona)
Winona Name Popularity: A Historical Perspective
The popularity of the name Winona has fluctuated significantly over the past century. Examining the data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), we can observe its trajectory. The SSA began tracking name popularity in 1910, and the data provides valuable insights into the usage of Winona over the years.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 511 | 29 | 0.0082% |
| 1911 | 594 | 21 | 0.0056% |
| 1912 | 500 | 54 | 0.0107% |
| 1913 | 492 | 65 | 0.0115% |
| 1914 | 471 | 93 | 0.0133% |
| 1915 | 450 | 138 | 0.0152% |
| 1916 | 434 | 167 | 0.0173% |
| 1917 | 484 | 139 | 0.0139% |
| 1918 | 441 | 183 | 0.0171% |
| 1919 | 513 | 133 | 0.0127% |
| 1920 | 453 | 176 | 0.0158% |
| 1921 | 419 | 217 | 0.019% |
| 1922 | 440 | 194 | 0.0174% |
| 1923 | 423 | 209 | 0.0187% |
| 1924 | 405 | 248 | 0.0214% |
| 1925 | 432 | 213 | 0.0188% |
| 1926 | 478 | 163 | 0.0148% |
| 1927 | 458 | 184 | 0.0166% |
| 1928 | 480 | 161 | 0.015% |
| 1929 | 528 | 121 | 0.0117% |
| 1930 | 463 | 162 | 0.0155% |
| 1931 | 415 | 194 | 0.0197% |
| 1932 | 460 | 155 | 0.0157% |
| 1933 | 463 | 151 | 0.0162% |
| 1934 | 463 | 150 | 0.0155% |
| 1935 | 480 | 128 | 0.0132% |
| 1936 | 556 | 96 | 0.01% |
| 1937 | 509 | 123 | 0.0125% |
| 1938 | 567 | 101 | 0.0099% |
| 1939 | 618 | 77 | 0.0076% |
| 1940 | 668 | 65 | 0.0061% |
| 1941 | 627 | 82 | 0.0073% |
| 1942 | 826 | 46 | 0.0036% |
| 1943 | 817 | 49 | 0.0038% |
| 1944 | 864 | 38 | 0.0031% |
| 1945 | 771 | 51 | 0.0042% |
| 1946 | 915 | 43 | 0.0029% |
| 1947 | 917 | 50 | 0.003% |
| 1948 | 986 | 40 | 0.0025% |
| 1949 | 1,035 | 36 | 0.0022% |
| 1950 | 1,009 | 41 | 0.0025% |
| 1951 | 910 | 57 | 0.0034% |
| 1952 | 953 | 51 | 0.0029% |
| 1953 | 1,125 | 33 | 0.0019% |
| 1954 | 963 | 57 | 0.0031% |
| 1955 | 1,005 | 55 | 0.003% |
| 1956 | 951 | 68 | 0.0036% |
| 1957 | 1,006 | 62 | 0.0032% |
| 1958 | 1,085 | 50 | 0.0026% |
| 1959 | 1,335 | 26 | 0.0014% |
| 1960 | 1,195 | 40 | 0.0021% |
| 1961 | 1,367 | 27 | 0.0014% |
| 1962 | 1,401 | 25 | 0.0014% |
| 1963 | 1,324 | 29 | 0.0016% |
| 1964 | 1,398 | 25 | 0.0014% |
| 1965 | 1,701 | 13 | 0.0008% |
| 1966 | 1,343 | 26 | 0.0017% |
| 1967 | 2,278 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1968 | 1,894 | 10 | 0.0007% |
| 1969 | 1,914 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 1970 | 2,682 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1971 | 1,735 | 17 | 0.0011% |
| 1972 | 1,961 | 11 | 0.0008% |
| 1973 | 2,145 | 8 | 0.0006% |
| 1974 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1975 | 2,830 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 1976 | 2,791 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 1977 | 2,394 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1978 | 2,635 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1979 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1980 | 2,653 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1981 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1982 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1983 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1984 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1985 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1986 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1987 | 2,775 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1988 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1989 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1990 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1991 | 2,364 | 18 | 0.0011% |
| 1992 | 2,419 | 17 | 0.0011% |
| 1993 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1994 | 2,770 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 1995 | 3,040 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1996 | 2,738 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 1997 | 3,824 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1998 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1999 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2000 | 3,248 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 2001 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2002 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2003 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2004 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2005 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2006 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2007 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2008 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2009 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2010 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2011 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2012 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2013 | 3,433 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 2014 | 2,995 | 10 | 0.0007% |
| 2015 | 3,324 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 2016 | 2,152 | 27 | 0.0019% |
| 2017 | 2,356 | 19 | 0.0014% |
| 2018 | 1,744 | 46 | 0.0033% |
| 2019 | 1,548 | 61 | 0.0045% |
| 2020 | 1,549 | 84 | 0.0066% |
| 2021 | 1,301 | 110 | 0.009% |
| 2022 | 989 | 213 | 0.0161% |
| 2023 | 876 | 256 | 0.0198% |
The data shows that Winona experienced its peak popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in the 1910s and 1920s. It then gradually declined in usage before experiencing a slight resurgence in recent years. The name broke back into the top 1000 names in 2022 and has continued to increase in popularity since then.
Winona: Meaning and Origin
The name Winona has Native American origins, specifically from the Dakota tribe. Its meaning is often translated as "first-born daughter". This beautiful and meaningful name reflects the importance of family and lineage within Native American cultures. Other translations include "eldest daughter" and simply "daughter". The name carries a sense of honor and respect, bestowing a legacy of importance upon the child who bears it.
Exploring Variations and Similar Names
If you are drawn to the sound and feel of Winona, but want to explore alternatives, consider these variations and similar-sounding names:
Variations:
- Wenona
- Wenonah
- Winnie (also of Welsh origin, meaning "fair one" or "blessed reconciliation")
- Winnona
- Winoena
- Winonah
- Winonna
- Wynnona
- Wynona
- Wynonna
Similar Sounding Names:
- Annona (Latin, meaning "corn" or "grain")
- Anona (Latin, meaning "pineapple")
These alternatives offer a range of styles, while still capturing the essence of Winona’s appeal.
Winona: A Name with Enduring Appeal
Choosing a name for your child is a significant decision. The name Winona, with its rich history, meaningful origin, and timeless sound, remains a compelling option for parents seeking a name that is both unique and classic. Its connection to Native American heritage adds depth and significance, making it a name that will resonate for generations to come.