Tawana

Tawana is a feminine name that gained particular popularity in the United States during the 1970s. Its etymology is not definitively established, but several possible origins exist. One theory suggests it may be derived from a Native American language, possibly meaning 'singing water' or 'morning sun' in Shawnee or another tribal language, though definitive linguistic evidence for this is limited. Alternatively, it could be a modern creation following the pattern of names beginning with 'Ta-' (like Tamara or Tanya) combined with the ending '-wana.' The name has a melodious quality with its three syllables and vowel ending, characteristic of feminine naming trends during the period of its peak popularity. While Tawana's usage has declined since the 1980s, it remains a distinctive name with an established history of use spanning several decades in American naming practices.

Pronounced tuh-WAH-nuh.

As of October 2026, Tawana ranked #19326 for girls in US births in 2011 SSA, peaked at #485 for girls in 1974.