Wanita
Wanita is a girl's name of Indigenous American origin.
Meaning
Pale face, shapely, or gracious (if associated with Juanita).
Origin and history
Wanita is a feminine given name used in the United States, often considered a spelling variant of Juanita or derived from Native American roots meaning 'pale face' or 'shapely'. It experienced its peak usage in the early to mid-20th century and has since become relatively rare. Today, it remains an intriguing choice with both traditional American and multicultural resonance.
Popularity in the United States
2,534 babies in the United States have been named Wanita since 1880. It ranks #3510 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #2077.
States where it is most popular
- IN (27.6 %)
- IL (12.8 %)
- MO (12.3 %)
- MI (11.3 %)
- OH (10.7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 5 |
| 1900-1910 | 14 |
| 1910-1920 | 221 |
| 1920-1930 | 506 |
| 1930-1940 | 413 |
| 1940-1950 | 357 |
| 1950-1960 | 310 |
| 1960-1970 | 259 |
| 1970-1980 | 196 |
| 1980-1990 | 103 |
| 1990-2000 | 55 |
| 2000-2010 | 37 |
| 2010-2019 | 34 |
| 2020-2029 | 24 |
Nicknames
Nita, Nini
Fun facts
- While similar in sound to Juanita, Wanita has distinct etymological roots attributed to Native American languages.
- The name was most commonly given to U.S. newborns during the early and mid-20th century.