Winnona

“Lakota”

Native American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#17608US 2022

5Births / yr

↓Falling

138All-time births

📅 Since 191600

How to pronounce Winnona

WINN·AH·nah

/ˈwɪnn.ˈɑ.nɑ/ · stress on WINN · 3 syllables

“Lakota”

Native American origin · Girl name

What does Winnona mean and where does it come from?

Winnona (or Winona) originates from the Lakota Sioux language, meaning 'first daughter' or 'firstborn.' This name holds a significant place in Native American culture, reflecting honor and familial roles. The name has been popularized through literature and film, including its use in the title of Wi

Cultural significance

Winnona has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Native American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lakota.

Peak popularity

Reached #2900 in 1923 — currently #17608 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Winnona?

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

Winnona Grace

How popular is Winnona right now?

Falling — down 86 spots — currently #17608 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1925–2022#17608 · Top 13%

1925

1935

1945

1960

2021

2022

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2022	#17608	5	▼ down 86
2021	#17522	5	▼ down 10876
1960	#6646	5	▼ down 1743
1945	#4903	5	▼ down 870 · -17% births
1935	#4033	6	▲ up 1364 · +20% births
1925	#5397	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Winnona

Best Year1935Rank #4033

Peak Count6

Average Rank#9352

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1925 - 20226 years

The story of Winnona

Winnona entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. With 138 total births recorded, Winnona remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5397 in 1925, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #17608 in 2022.

Names that peaked alongside Winnona in 1923:

Mary Dorothy Helen Margaret Betty

Winnona by decade

Winnona peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	13
1920s ★	40
1930s	33
1940s	33
1950s	8
1960s	5
1970s	6

💎Winnona has only 138 total recorded births since 1916 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Winnona?

Common

WinWiOna

What names sound and feel like Winnona?

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

Winona

American · A beloved name

Winonna

Native American · firstborn daughter

Winonah

Native American · Firstborn daughter

Willona

American · desiring peace

Wilona

American · To be resolute

Wynnona

American · firstborn daughter

Wiona

American · Native American

Wanona

Native American · Native American

Common questions about the name Winnona

What does the name Winnona mean?

Winnona means "Lakota" — a name rooted in Native American 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 Winnona?

Winnona is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Winnona?

Winnona originates from Native American tradition. Native American 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 Winnona?

Winnona is a three-syllable name pronounced W IH1 N N AA1 N AA0. 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 Winnona?

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