Find out how popular the first name Tawanna has been for the last 35 years (from 1974 to 2008) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tawanna by gender

Based on the last 35 years of data, Tawanna is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2008, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Tawanna.

The history of the first name Tawanna

The name Tawanna is believed to have originated from the Choctaw language, spoken by the Choctaw Native American tribe in the Southeastern United States. It is thought to be derived from the Choctaw words "towa" meaning "town" and "nanih" meaning "hill" or "mound."

The Choctaw nation has a rich cultural heritage, with roots dating back thousands of years in the present-day states of Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. The name Tawanna likely emerged during this time, reflecting the tribe's connection to their settlements and the natural landscapes they inhabited.

While there are no known ancient texts or religious scriptures directly referencing the name Tawanna, it is believed to have been used among the Choctaw people for generations. The earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, during the era of European colonization and the displacement of Native American tribes.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Tawanna was Tawanna Choctaw, a Choctaw woman born in the early 1800s. She was among the thousands of Choctaw forced to relocate from their ancestral lands during the Trail of Tears, a series of brutal forced migrations in the 1830s.

Another notable figure was Tawanna Blackhorse, a Choctaw activist and author born in 1935. She played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Choctaw language and culture, authoring several books and working tirelessly to educate younger generations about their heritage.

In the realm of sports, Tawanna Browne Smith, a Choctaw basketball player born in 1976, made history as the first Native American to play in the WNBA. She was a standout at the University of Oklahoma before being drafted by the Sacramento Monarchs in 2000.

Tawanna Sullivan, born in 1968, is a Choctaw artist and educator renowned for her intricate beadwork and textiles. Her works have been exhibited in prestigious museums and galleries, celebrating the rich artistic traditions of the Choctaw nation.

Finally, Tawanna Burnette, a Choctaw physician born in 1972, has been recognized for her contributions to improving healthcare access and outcomes for Native American communities. She has dedicated her career to addressing health disparities and promoting culturally sensitive medical practices.

While the name Tawanna has gained popularity beyond its Choctaw roots in recent decades, its historical significance remains deeply rooted in the traditions and resilience of the Choctaw 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 Tawanna was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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