Kayonni first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Kayonni has been for the last 4 years (from 2020 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Kayonni

A variant spelling of the feminine Native American name Kayoni, meaning "butterfly".

Popularity of Kayonni by gender

Based on the last 4 years of data, Kayonni is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 11 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kayonni.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 0 11
2022 0 8
2021 0 5
2020 0 9

The history of the first name Kayonni

The name Kayonni is a unique and intriguing moniker with roots that can be traced back to ancient civilizations. Its origins can be found in the indigenous tribes of the Americas, particularly the Iroquois nation. The name itself is derived from the Iroquoian language, where "Kayon" means "beautiful" and "ni" signifies "flower." Thus, Kayonni roughly translates to "beautiful flower."

In the rich cultural tapestry of the Iroquois people, names held deep spiritual significance and were often bestowed upon individuals to reflect their connection with nature and the elements. The Iroquois believed that every living being possessed a unique essence that should be honored through their name. Kayonni, with its allusion to the beauty and delicacy of a flower, was likely given to newborn girls or women who embodied grace and gentleness.

While the name has ancient roots, it was not until the 17th century that written records of individuals bearing the name Kayonni began to emerge. One of the earliest documented references can be found in the journals of French missionaries who encountered the Iroquois tribes in the region now known as upstate New York and Ontario, Canada.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Kayonni. In the late 18th century, Kayonni Oneida (1735-1811) was a respected leader and ambassador of the Oneida tribe, playing a crucial role in negotiating peace treaties with the American colonists during the Revolutionary War. Her diplomatic efforts helped foster understanding and cooperation between her people and the new nation.

Another prominent figure was Kayonni Tiohtonhisere (1820-1892), a skilled artisan from the Mohawk tribe. Her intricate beadwork and woven baskets are now preserved in museums as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of her people.

In the realm of literature, the name Kayonni was immortalized in the works of renowned writer James Fenimore Cooper. His novel "The Last of the Mohicans," published in 1826, featured a character named Kayonni, a young Mohawk woman who played a pivotal role in the narrative.

More recently, Kayonni Littleeagle (1921-2008), a member of the Cheyenne tribe, gained recognition as a dedicated activist and advocate for Native American rights. Her tireless efforts to preserve indigenous traditions and promote cultural understanding left a lasting impact on her community.

While the name Kayonni may not be as widely recognized today, it carries a rich historical legacy and serves as a powerful reminder of the diverse cultural tapestry that has shaped our world. Its roots in the ancient Iroquois nation and the many individuals who have borne this name throughout the centuries serve as a testament to the enduring strength and beauty of indigenous traditions.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!

Search for a name

Search for a first or last name to learn more about its origin, meaning, and more.

Simple as that.