Wenonah

Wenonah is a feminine Native American name from the Dakota and Ojibwe traditions. It typically means "first-born daughter" or sometimes "daughter of the waters." In Longfellow's famous poem "The Song of Hiawatha," Wenonah appears as the mother of the protagonist, introducing the name to wider American culture. The name carries a melodic quality with its three distinct syllables and flowing sounds. Wenonah honors Indigenous heritage while offering a connection to American literary tradition. Though relatively uncommon in contemporary usage, the name maintains recognition and appreciation. Wenonah's nature-connected meaning appeals to parents seeking names with environmental ties. While pronunciation might initially challenge some (typically weh-NO-nah), its distinctive character makes it memorable once learned.

Pronounced weh-NOH-nuh.

As of October 2026, Wenonah ranked #15794 in US births in 2017 SSA, peaked at #1484 in 1916.