Wyonna first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Wyonna has been for the last 2 years (from 2021 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Wyonna

A feminine name of Native American origin meaning "eldestborn daughter".

Popularity of Wyonna by gender

Based on the last 2 years of data, Wyonna is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Wyonna.

Year Male Count Female Count
2022 0 6
2021 0 6

The history of the first name Wyonna

The name Wyonna is believed to have originated from the Native American Sioux language, derived from the word "Wihon'ye," which means "woman born first." It was commonly used among the Sioux tribes, particularly in the Great Plains region of North America, during the 18th and 19th centuries.

One of the earliest known references to the name Wyonna can be found in the historical records of the Sioux tribe, dating back to the late 1700s. It was a popular name given to firstborn daughters, symbolizing the importance and respect accorded to the eldest child in the family.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Wyonna. One of the most prominent figures was Wyonna Quill (1856-1938), a respected member of the Ogalala Sioux tribe and a prominent advocate for Native American rights. She played a key role in preserving the cultural traditions and language of her people.

Another notable figure was Wyonna Custer (1868-1942), the daughter of the famous American Army officer George Armstrong Custer. Although not of Native American descent, she was given the name in honor of her father's respect for the Sioux culture and traditions.

In the realm of literature, Wyonna was the name of a fictional character in the novel "The Last of the Mohicans" by James Fenimore Cooper, published in 1826. The character, a young Native American woman, symbolized the beauty and strength of the indigenous people.

Wyonna Rider (1910-1992), born on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, was a renowned Sioux artist and pottery maker. Her works were celebrated for their intricate designs and representations of traditional Sioux motifs, contributing significantly to the preservation of Native American art and culture.

Another notable figure bearing the name was Wyonna Littletree (1923-2005), a renowned activist and advocate for Native American rights. She dedicated her life to fighting for the recognition and preservation of indigenous cultures, languages, and lands, and played a pivotal role in several major legal battles and protests.

While the name Wyonna has its roots in the Native American Sioux culture, it has since been adopted and used by individuals from various backgrounds and ethnicities, transcending its original cultural context and becoming a part of the diverse tapestry of names in contemporary society.

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

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

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"Wyonna first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 6, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/wyonna-meaning-and-history/.

"Wyonna first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/wyonna-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 6 May, 2025

Wyonna first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/wyonna-meaning-and-history/.

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