Dawanda

“beloved, cherished” — Symbolize deep familial or social bonds

Africa origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1235US 2023

965Births / yr

→Stable

249All-time births

📅 Since 196200

How to pronounce Dawanda

DAW·AND·AH

/ˈdɔ.ˈænd.ˈɑ/ · stress on DAW · 4 syllables

“beloved, cherished”

Symbolize deep familial or social bonds · Africa origin

What does Dawanda mean and where does it come from?

Dawanda is a female name of Swahili origin meaning 'beloved' or 'cherished.' It is primarily found in East African countries such as Kenya and Tanzania, reflecting cultural significance and affection. The name may symbolize deep familial or social bonds.

Cultural significance

Dawanda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Africa-speaking communities, where it reflects values of beloved, cherished.

Peak popularity

Reached #3858 in 1972 — currently #1235 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Dawanda?

Dawanda works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Dawanda Grace

How popular is Dawanda right now?

Holding steady — currently #1235 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1965–2023#1235 · Top 0.91%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1235	965	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1240	945	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1245	915	▲ up 8307 · +11338% births
1990	#9552	8	▲ up 1683 · +60% births
1985	#11235	5	▼ down 5833 · -62% births
1980	#5402	13	▼ down 20 · +18% births
1975	#5382	11	▼ down 395
1970	#4987	11	▲ up 2318 · +120% births
1965	#7305	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Dawanda

Best Year2023Rank #1235

Peak Count965

Average Rank#5287

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1965 - 20239 years

The story of Dawanda

Dawanda is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1962. With 249 total births recorded, Dawanda remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7305 in 1965 to #1235 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Dawanda in 1972:

Jennifer Michelle Lisa Kimberly Amy

Dawanda by decade

Dawanda peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1960s	52
1970s ★	115
1980s	61
1990s	21

💎Dawanda has only 249 total recorded births since 1962 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Dawanda?

Common

DawDawieDawyAnda

What names sound and feel like Dawanda?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dawanda also consider these

Dawnda

American · Derived from the

Dawanna

American · a combination of

Cawanda

American · A modern invented

Yawanda

Nigeria · the one who

American · a modern variation

Sawanda

American · belonging to the

Common questions about the name Dawanda

What does the name Dawanda mean?

Dawanda means "beloved, cherished" — a name rooted in Africa tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Dawanda?

Dawanda is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Dawanda?

Dawanda originates from Africa tradition. Africa names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Dawanda?

Dawanda is a four-syllable name pronounced D AO1 AE1 N D AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Dawanda?

Dawanda pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Africa heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.