Find out how popular the first name Hiawatha has been for the last 30 years (from 1975 to 2004) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Hiawatha by gender

Based on the last 30 years of data, Hiawatha is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 86% of people named Hiawatha being male.

For the most recent data in 2004, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Hiawatha.

The history of the first name Hiawatha

The name Hiawatha originated from the Iroquoian languages spoken by the indigenous peoples of North America. It is believed to have been derived from the Mohawk word "hai-ye-wat-hau," which means "he makes rivers." The name is closely associated with the legend of Hiawatha, a Native American leader and co-founder of the Iroquois Confederacy, which united the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca nations.

The earliest known written record of the name Hiawatha dates back to the late 17th century, when it appeared in the writings of French Jesuit missionaries who had interactions with the Iroquois people. The name gained wider recognition in the 19th century after Henry Wadsworth Longfellow published his epic poem "The Song of Hiawatha" in 1855, which popularized the legend of Hiawatha and introduced the name to a broader audience.

One of the most notable figures in history associated with the name Hiawatha is the legendary Native American leader himself. While the exact dates of his birth and death are uncertain, he is believed to have lived in the late 16th century and played a crucial role in the formation of the Iroquois Confederacy, which helped establish a lasting peace among the nations.

Another prominent individual with the name Hiawatha was Hiawatha Belt (1854-1944), a Mohawk chief and diplomat who worked to preserve the traditions and rights of his people. He was known for his efforts to maintain the sovereignty of the Iroquois Confederacy and advocated for the recognition of Native American land rights.

In the realm of literature, Hiawatha Belt (1909-1984), a Mohawk writer and educator, made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Native American culture and traditions. He authored several books, including "The Longhouse Longhouse," which explored the history and customs of the Iroquois people.

The name Hiawatha has also been adopted by various organizations and institutions. For example, Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians, established in 1899 in Canton, South Dakota, was one of the earliest facilities dedicated to providing mental health care for Native Americans.

Additionally, the name Hiawatha has been used for geographical locations, such as the city of Hiawatha in Kansas, founded in 1857, and the Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, established in 1931.

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 Hiawatha was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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