Holding steady.
Popularity of Jawara since 1971
Babies named Jawara per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1992, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Jawara's real moment was 1972.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 115 |
| 1980s | 63 |
| 1990s | 90 |
| 2000s | 6 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Jawara is a distinctly West African name with strong cultural ties to the Mandinka people. In the United States, it is exceptionally rare: its first recorded appearance was in 1971, and it reached its peak popularity the following year in 1972, when it was given to just a handful of boys. Since then, its usage has remained stable but negligible, never appearing in top baby name rankings. The name is most widely known through Sir Dawda Jawara, the first President of the Gambia, who led the country from independence in 1970 until a coup in 1994. Despite its low frequency in U.S. data, Jawara carries a meaningful etymology centered on bravery and peace, making it a culturally rich choice for families with ties to the region or those seeking a name with a strong, positive meaning.
Jawara is a name of Mandinka origin, primarily used in the Gambia and Senegal. It derives from the Mandinka word for 'brave' or 'courageous', and is also linked to the term for 'peace'. The name gained international recognition through Sir Dawda Jawara, the first President of the Gambia, who served from 1970 to 1994. It remains a common surname and given name in the region.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jaw, Jara
Variants: Jaward, Jawarre
Sibling names for Jawara
Names that share Jawara's style, for a brother or sister.
