Log in · Sign up

Winona Girl

Popularity: #587 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

Pronunciationwi-NO-nah / wɪˈnoʊ.nə

Native American; English

Meaning

Native American: firstborn; English: joyful

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Winona has its roots in the Dakota Sioux language, where it means "firstborn daughter." The etymological journey of Winona begins with the Native American heritage of the Sioux tribes, particularly the Dakota, who have historically inhabited the regions of the northern United States. The name was introduced into English through the increasing interest in Native American culture and languages during the 19th century, particularly as European settlers and explorers interacted more with Indigenous peoples. This cultural exchange facilitated the incorporation of Native American names into the English lexicon, with Winona being one of the more prominent examples.

Historically, the name Winona gained recognition through various cultural representations, including literature and folklore. One notable figure is Winona LaDuke, a prominent Native American activist and author, who has brought attention to Indigenous issues in contemporary society. Additionally, the name appears in various works of fiction and poetry, often symbolizing themes of strength, resilience, and connection to heritage. The name's association with the concept of being the "firstborn" imbues it with a sense of significance and honor within familial and cultural contexts.

Winona's cultural resonance is further enhanced by its ties to the broader narrative of Native American history and identity. The name has been embraced in various forms of art and storytelling, reflecting the enduring legacy of Indigenous cultures in the face of historical challenges. While diminutive forms or variations of Winona exist, such as Winnie, the name itself stands as a testament to the rich linguistic and cultural tapestry of Native American heritage, embodying both personal and communal significance.

Trend Summary

Winona has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable peak in the 1970s and 1980s.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Wynona

International Variants

  • Winona (English)

Famous people named Winona

Winona Ryder is an actress best known for Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and Stranger Things.

Winona LaDuke is an environmentalist and activist best known for her work with Native American rights and sustainable development.

Fictional characters named Winona

Winona Ryder is a fictional character from the film and television series Stranger Things. She is the determined mother of the main character, Will Byers, and plays a crucial role in the search for her son.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Winona was first seen in the United States in 1880. Winona has ranked as high as #987 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Hawaii. In the past 5 years the name Winona has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Winona (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 30
9%
TX 22
7%
FL 19
6%
OH 19
6%
MN 17
5%
IL 16
5%
NY 14
4%
PA 13
4%
IN 13
4%
CO 12
4%
MA 12
4%
AZ 11
3%
NC 11
3%
OR 10
3%
WI 10
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18806
188111
18829
18839
18846
188514
18869
188714
188816
188914
189014
189113
189220
189320
189422
189520
189625
189722
189830
189920
190018
190128
190229
190342
190432
190535
190649
190734
190851
190958
191065
191163
1912108
1913120
1914139
1915192
1916219
1917200
1918223
1919188
1920222
1921265
1922261
1923257
1924289
1925270
1926224
1927230
1928223
1929189
1930221
1931252
1932198
1933209
1934199
1935173
1936167
1937172
1938170
1939127
1940129
1941136
1942109
1943108
194492
194599
194690
1947119
194894
1949100
1950119
1951104
1952113
195395
1954100
1955105
1956121
1957115
1958105
195980
196090
196178
196291
196379
196478
196573
196673
196759
196855
196950
197048
197163
197260
197357
197448
197546
197653
197738
197834
197934
198037
198138
198221
198327
198415
198523
198613
198730
198816
198925
199034
199150
199256
199329
199439
199529
199629
199720
199827
199927
200028
200118
200222
200316
200417
200516
200622
200725
200815
200916
201020
201120
201234
201333
201437
201537
201669
201777
201896
2019127
2020154
2021175
2022270
2023306
2024381