Find out how popular the first name Twila has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Twila by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Twila is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 29 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Twila.

The history of the first name Twila

The name Twila originates from the Old English language, stemming from the word "twilight," which refers to the soft, diffused light that occurs in the morning before sunrise or in the evening after sunset. This name finds its roots in the early medieval period, particularly in regions where Old English was spoken, such as parts of modern-day England and Scotland.

The name Twila is believed to be a variation or diminutive form of the Old English name "Twila," which was derived from the words "twi" (two) and "leoht" (light), referring to the two periods of twilight – dawn and dusk. This name may have been initially given to children born during these transitional times of the day, symbolizing the beauty and serenity of the twilight hours.

While there are no known historical references to the name Twila in ancient texts or religious scriptures, records indicate that it was used as a given name for females during the Middle Ages in England. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Twila dates back to the 13th century, when it appeared in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire, England, in 1275.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Twila. One of the earliest recorded was Twila of Mercia (c. 670 – c. 700), a Mercian princess and abbess of the Monastery of Repton in present-day Derbyshire, England. Another early figure was Twila the Blessed (c. 1150 – c. 1220), a renowned mystic and nun from Flanders, who was revered for her piety and spiritual writings.

In more recent times, the name Twila has been associated with several notable figures, such as Twila Paris (1958 – present), an American contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter, and Twila Tanner Brase (1942 – present), an American author and journalist known for her children's books and contributions to various magazines.

Other individuals who have carried the name Twila include Twila Grissom (1927 – 2006), an American artist and painter known for her abstract expressionist works, and Twila Dahlgren (1944 – present), a former professional baseball player who played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during the 1960s.

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

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

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