Find out how popular the first name Kiowa has been for the last 41 years (from 1983 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kiowa by gender

Based on the last 41 years of data, Kiowa is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 75% of people named Kiowa being male.

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

The history of the first name Kiowa

The name Kiowa is derived from the Kiowa tribe, a Native American group that historically inhabited the Great Plains region of North America. The Kiowa people referred to themselves as "Kaw'igunou" or "Kaw'ighóu," which translates to "Principal People" or "People of the Aged Woods."

The origin of the name can be traced back to the 17th century, when the Kiowa tribe first encountered European explorers and settlers in the southern Plains region. The earliest recorded use of the name "Kiowa" appears in French and Spanish documents from that time period, where it was used to refer to the tribe.

Throughout history, the name Kiowa has been associated with several notable individuals from the Kiowa tribe. One of the earliest recorded figures was Guokinahon or "Wolf Lying Down" (c. 1805-1866), a respected Kiowa chief known for his diplomatic efforts and resistance against the displacement of his people.

Another prominent figure was Satanta (c. 1820-1878), a renowned Kiowa warrior and leader who fought against the encroachment of settlers and the U.S. government. He was eventually captured and imprisoned for his role in the Red River War but later became a respected advocate for his tribe's rights.

In the late 19th century, Kiowa Charley Topah (c. 1847-1898) gained recognition as a skilled artist and chronicler of his tribe's history through his ledger drawings and paintings. His works provide a valuable visual record of Kiowa culture and traditions.

Moving into the 20th century, Kiowa author and historian N. Scott Momaday (born 1934) played a significant role in preserving and promoting Native American literature and culture. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1969 for his novel "House Made of Dawn."

More recently, Kiowa artist and activist Vanessa Jennings (born 1984) has gained recognition for her efforts in promoting Indigenous rights and environmental justice through her artwork and activism.

While the name Kiowa is rooted in the history and culture of the Kiowa tribe, it has transcended its origins and gained broader recognition as a given name across various cultures and communities.

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

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

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