MallowbyNames

Lawan

lah-WAHN · Most commonly interpreted as 'young gazelle' or 'soft, delicate' in Arabic, but also a given name in Thai with a different meaning.

Peak popularity
1973
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Lawan since 1954

Babies named Lawan per year in U.S. Social Security records.

37101960198020002020Most births 1970GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1950s170
1960s370
1970s3225
1980s1012
1990s010
2000s07
2010s00
2020s00

Meaning & origin

Lawan is a rare name in the United States, first recorded in 1954. It reached its peak usage in 1973, after which it has remained stable but infrequent. The name has two primary cultural origins: Arabic, where it is often linked to the meaning 'young gazelle,' and Thai, where its significance is less defined. In the U.S., Lawan has not been concentrated in any particular state, and it has never entered the top 1000 names. Its rarity and multicultural roots make it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with Middle Eastern or Southeast Asian connections.

Lawan likely derives from the Arabic root l-w-n, related to color or variety, and is often associated with the word 'lawn' meaning color. In Arabic usage, it may connote a young gazelle or something soft and delicate. The name also appears in Thailand, where its meaning is less clear, possibly related to the word for 'law' or a variant of 'La-awan'. As a given name, Lawan has been used in both Arabic-speaking and Thai communities, though its popularity in the U.S. has been minimal.

Sibling names for Lawan

Names that share Lawan's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Aisha, Fatima, Layla, Nadia, Samira

Brothers: Amir, Hassan, Khalid, Omar, Zayn

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

L is for Lawan, our favorite little boy.

L is for Lawan…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Lawan's letter becomes Lawan's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Lawan's book

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Lawan mean?
Lawan is commonly interpreted as 'young gazelle' or 'soft, delicate' in Arabic, though it is also a name in Thai with potentially different meanings.
How popular is the name Lawan?
Lawan has never ranked in the U.S. top 1000. Its peak usage was in 1973, according to Social Security data.
Is Lawan a boy's name or a girl's name?
Lawan is most often used as a boy's name, though it could be considered unisex in some contexts.