Find out how popular the first name Jawara has been for the last 29 years (from 1974 to 2002) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Jawara by gender

Based on the last 29 years of data, Jawara is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 98% of people named Jawara being male.

For the most recent data in 2002, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Jawara.

The history of the first name Jawara

The name Jawara is believed to have originated from the Mandinka language, spoken primarily in parts of West Africa, including Guinea, Senegal, and the Gambia. It is thought to have emerged sometime during the medieval period, around the 13th or 14th century.

The name Jawara is derived from the Mandinka word "jawa," which means "lion." In many West African cultures, lions are revered for their strength, courage, and leadership qualities. It is likely that the name was initially given to individuals who exhibited these characteristics or were considered leaders within their communities.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Jawara can be found in the Mandinka epic poem, the Sunjata, which dates back to the 13th century. The poem tells the story of the legendary Mandinka ruler, Sundiata Keita, and mentions a character named Jawara, who is described as a fierce warrior and loyal ally.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Jawara. One of the most famous was Jawara Silla Bâ, a Mandinka military leader and diplomat who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He played a crucial role in the resistance against French colonial expansion in present-day Guinea.

Another prominent figure was Jawara Niang, a Senegalese wrestler and cultural icon who lived from 1949 to 2013. He was a multiple-time champion in traditional Senegalese wrestling and was widely respected for his skill and dedication to preserving cultural traditions.

In the realm of politics, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara (1924-2017) was the first Prime Minister and later President of the Gambia, leading the country from 1962 to 1994. He was instrumental in guiding the Gambia to independence and promoting democratic principles.

During the American Civil War, Jawara McIntosh (1836-1864) was a famous African American soldier who served in the renowned 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was one of the first African American commissioned officers in the Union Army and was killed in action during the Battle of Olustee in 1864.

Jawara Gambia Sill (1872-1944) was a notable Gambian educator and writer who played a significant role in promoting literacy and education in his country. He authored several books and established several schools, contributing to the intellectual and cultural development of the Gambian people.

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

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

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