Find out how popular the first name Bawi has been for the last 15 years (from 2009 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Bawi by gender

Based on the last 15 years of data, Bawi is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 84% of people named Bawi being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Bawi.

The history of the first name Bawi

The name Bawi is believed to have originated from the Karbi language, spoken by the Karbi people of Assam, India. It is derived from the word "bawir," which means "brave" or "courageous." The Karbi are an ethnic group native to the hill regions of Assam, and their language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family.

In the ancient Karbi culture, the name Bawi was often bestowed upon newborn boys as a symbol of strength and valor. It was a way for parents to express their hope that their child would grow to embody the qualities of bravery and resilience.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Bawi can be found in the Karbi folktales and oral traditions, which have been passed down through generations. These stories often featured brave Karbi warriors and heroes with the name Bawi, showcasing their exploits and acts of courage.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Bawi. One such figure is Bawi Khunjuri (1899-1983), a prominent Karbi leader and social reformer who played a significant role in the upliftment of the Karbi community. He advocated for the preservation of Karbi language, culture, and traditions.

Another famous Bawi was Bawi Lyngdoh (1937-2015), a notable writer and scholar from Meghalaya, India. He contributed immensely to the literary landscape of the Khasi language and was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors, in 2013.

In the realm of sports, Bawi Bhutia (born 1976) is a renowned former Indian footballer who captained the national team. He is considered one of the greatest players in the history of Indian football and has received several accolades, including the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri.

Bawi Kalita (1924-2012) was a prominent Assamese writer and journalist whose works explored themes of social justice and human rights. He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award, India's highest literary honor, in 1976 for his novel "Dhairi."

Another notable figure was Bawi Reang (1897-1967), a Reang tribal leader and social activist who fought for the rights and welfare of the Reang community in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of present-day Bangladesh.

While the name Bawi has its roots in the Karbi culture, it has transcended geographical boundaries and continues to be used across various regions, particularly in Northeast India, as a symbol of strength and fortitude.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Bawi was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Bawi, please contact us.

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