MallowbyNames

Luwana

loo-WAH-nah · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Luana or a feminine form of Luwan.

Peak popularity
1960
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Luwana since 1935

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

6111719602000Most births 1960Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1930s10
1940s34
1950s102
1960s112
1970s56
1980s6
1990s0
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Luwana is a rare American coinage that first appeared in Social Security records in 1935. Its exact origins are unclear, but it fits a pattern of feminine names formed with the suffix -ana, common in early- to mid-20th-century inventiveness. The name reached its peak popularity in 1960, though it never entered the top 1000. Usage has remained stable but extremely low; the trajectory is flat, with no sign of revival. Luwana is almost exclusively given to girls. The name's obscurity means it carries little cultural or historical baggage, making it a true rarity.

Luwana first appeared in the United States in 1935, likely as a modern coinage blending elements of names like Luana or Lou with the popular suffix -ana. It may also be a feminine elaboration of Luwan, a name of unclear derivation. The name saw modest use mid-20th century, peaking in 1960, but has never been common.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Lulu, Wana, Lu

Variants: Luana, Louana, Luwanna

Sibling names for Luwana

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

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

L is for Luwana, our favorite little girl.

L is for Luwana…”

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

Make Luwana's book

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Luwana mean?
The meaning of Luwana is uncertain. It may be a variant of Luana, which is sometimes interpreted as 'joyful' or 'graceful,' but no definitive etymology exists.
How popular is Luwana today?
Luwana is not currently in the U.S. top 1000 names. Its peak year was 1960, and it has remained rare, with stable but minimal usage in recent decades. No rank or 1-in-N data is available for the latest year.
Is Luwana a boy or girl name?
Luwana is almost exclusively used for girls.