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

Popularity of Wynona by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 41 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Wynona.

The history of the first name Wynona

The name Wynona is believed to have originated from the Native American Sioux language, specifically the Dakota dialect. It is derived from the word "winona," which means "firstborn daughter" or "eldest daughter." This name has been in use among the Sioux tribes for centuries, reflecting their cultural traditions and familial values.

In the early 19th century, the name Wynona gained wider recognition due to its association with a legendary figure in Sioux history. Winona, a young woman from the Mdewakanton Dakota tribe, is said to have sacrificed her life to save her tribe from a severe famine. Her selfless act became embedded in the oral traditions of the Sioux people, and her name became a symbol of bravery and selflessness.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Wynona can be found in the writings of the American author and historian Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. In his famous poem "The Song of Hiawatha," published in 1855, Longfellow included a character named Winona, further popularizing the name among non-Native audiences.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Wynona. One of the most famous was Wynona Lippert (1901-1990), an American silent film actress and dancer who appeared in several productions during the 1920s. Another notable figure was Wynona Ward (1924-2011), a pioneering African American businesswoman and civil rights activist who founded the first black-owned radio station in the state of Mississippi.

In the realm of music, Wynona Judd (born 1964) is a highly acclaimed American country music singer and songwriter. She is best known for her successful musical partnership with her mother, Naomi Judd, as part of the duo The Judds. Wynona has won numerous awards, including five Grammy Awards and eight Billboard Music Awards.

Another notable individual with the name Wynona was Wynona Carr (1899-1994), an American actress and dancer who performed on Broadway and in several Hollywood films during the 1920s and 1930s. She was also known for her advocacy work in the African American community.

Lastly, Wynona Harris (1901-1982) was a prominent American social worker and educator who dedicated her life to improving the lives of underprivileged children and families. She served as the executive director of the Chicago Urban League and was instrumental in establishing several community centers and youth programs throughout the city.

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

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

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