Find out how popular the first name Waukesha has been for the last 6 years (from 1978 to 1983) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Waukesha by gender

Based on the last 6 years of data, Waukesha is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1983, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Waukesha.

The history of the first name Waukesha

The name Waukesha has its origins in the Native American Potawatomi language, spoken by indigenous people who inhabited areas of the Great Lakes region, including parts of present-day Wisconsin. The name is believed to have emerged in the late 17th or early 18th century, derived from the Potawatomi phrase "wau-kau-tshah," which means "fox" or "little fox."

The Potawatomi people were one of the many Native American tribes that inhabited the region now known as Wisconsin before European settlement. Their language and culture have left a lasting imprint on the area, including the name Waukesha, which was originally used to refer to a nearby river or settlement.

In historical records, the name Waukesha first appeared in the late 1700s and early 1800s. One of the earliest documented examples was a Potawatomi leader named Waukesha, who was a prominent figure in the tribe during the early 19th century. He was known for his diplomatic efforts in negotiating treaties with the United States government.

Throughout history, the name Waukesha has been associated with several notable individuals. One of the earliest was Waukesha Rondon (1865-1958), a Brazilian military officer and explorer who mapped large portions of the Amazon rainforest and advocated for the protection of indigenous peoples.

Another significant figure was Waukesha Thundercloud (1890-1975), a Native American actor and stuntman who appeared in numerous Hollywood films during the early 20th century, often portraying Native American characters.

In the field of art, Waukesha Culkin (1929-2010) was an acclaimed painter and sculptor from the Potawatomi tribe, known for her vibrant depictions of Native American life and culture.

Additionally, Waukesha Chee (1902-1987) was a prominent educator and advocate for Native American rights. She dedicated her life to preserving and promoting the Navajo language and culture through teaching and writing.

Lastly, Waukesha Littlechief (1944-2020) was a respected elder and spiritual leader of the Cree Nation in Canada, renowned for his efforts in revitalizing traditional Indigenous ceremonies and teachings.

While the name Waukesha has Native American roots, it has transcended its cultural boundaries and been embraced by people of various backgrounds, serving as a testament to the enduring impact of indigenous cultures on the naming traditions of North America.

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

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

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