Winona
Winona is a girl's name of Indigenous American origin.
Meaning
First-born daughter.
Origin and history
Winona is an Indigenous American name derived from the Dakota language, traditionally given to a first-born daughter. It gained broader visibility in the United States through literature, geography, and popular culture. In recent years, the name has seen a steady rise in usage among American parents seeking a distinct traditional option.
Popularity in the United States
12,953 babies in the United States have been named Winona since 1880. It ranks #1410 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #868.
States where it is most popular
- TX (11.1 %)
- CA (9.8 %)
- OH (6.3 %)
- IL (6 %)
- PA (5.4 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 108 |
| 1890-1900 | 206 |
| 1900-1910 | 376 |
| 1910-1920 | 1,517 |
| 1920-1930 | 2,430 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,888 |
| 1940-1950 | 1,076 |
| 1950-1960 | 1,057 |
| 1960-1970 | 726 |
| 1970-1980 | 481 |
| 1980-1990 | 245 |
| 1990-2000 | 340 |
| 2000-2010 | 195 |
| 2010-2019 | 550 |
| 2020-2029 | 1,758 |
Famous people named Winona
- Winona Ryder: Actress
- Winona LaDuke: Activist, Economist
Nicknames
Winnie, Nona
Fun facts
- In Dakota culture, Winona was not originally an arbitrary personal name but a specific title applied to the oldest daughter in a family.
- Several cities and counties across the United States are named Winona, most notably in Minnesota.