Find out how popular the first name Shwanda has been for the last 15 years (from 1974 to 1988) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shwanda by gender

Based on the last 15 years of data, Shwanda is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1988, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Shwanda.

The history of the first name Shwanda

The name Shwanda is believed to have its origins in the Bambara language, spoken primarily in Mali and parts of neighboring countries in West Africa. It is thought to be derived from the Bambara word "shwandi," meaning "to be sweet" or "sweetness." This suggests that the name Shwanda may have been given to children in the hopes that they would embody the positive qualities of sweetness, kindness, and gentleness.

While the exact origins of the name are somewhat obscure, it is known to have been in use among the Bambara people for centuries, and may have had roots in even more ancient languages or cultures of the region. Some scholars have speculated that the name may share a common linguistic ancestor with similar-sounding names found in other West African languages, such as the Mandinka name "Sandhya," which also carries connotations of sweetness or pleasantness.

In terms of historical references, the name Shwanda does not appear to have been documented extensively in ancient texts or religious scriptures. However, it is likely that it was used within the oral traditions and naming practices of the Bambara people, which have a rich cultural heritage stretching back many centuries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Shwanda can be found in the writings of French explorer and anthropologist Maurice Delafosse, who conducted extensive research on the Bambara people in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Delafosse's work, published in the early 1900s, includes references to individuals bearing the name Shwanda, indicating its use at that time.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who have carried the name Shwanda, though many of them may not be widely known outside of their local communities or regions. One such individual was Shwanda Bayo (c. 1840-1910), a renowned Bambara storyteller and oral historian who played a crucial role in preserving and passing down the cultural traditions and folklore of her people.

Another notable figure was Shwanda Keita (1925-1998), a Malian politician and activist who fought for women's rights and social justice. She was one of the first women to hold a ministerial position in Mali's government, serving as the Minister of Social Affairs from 1960 to 1968.

In the realm of music, Shwanda Khuffash (born 1972) is a Palestinian-American singer and songwriter who has gained recognition for her fusion of traditional Middle Eastern sounds with contemporary genres like rock and pop.

The name Shwanda has also been carried by individuals in the fields of education and academia, such as Dr. Shwanda Townsend (born 1968), an American professor of education who has focused her research on issues of equity and diversity in educational settings.

Finally, Shwanda Magere (born 1982) is a Kenyan-born fashion designer and entrepreneur who has gained international acclaim for her sustainable and ethically-sourced clothing line, which celebrates traditional African textiles and styles.

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

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Shwanda, 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!