Holding steady.
Popularity of Tawanda since 1944
Babies named Tawanda per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 10 |
| 1950s | 72 |
| 1960s | 712 |
| 1970s | 2,141 |
| 1980s | 927 |
| 1990s | 184 |
| 2000s | 12 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Tawanda is a name of Shona origin, meaning 'we are many.' It first appeared in U.S. records in 1944 and saw its peak usage in 1977, though it has never ranked in the top 1,000. The name has remained stable in usage over the decades, with no recent revival. While it did not appear among the top states, its cultural resonance is tied to the Shona-speaking regions of Zimbabwe and the broader African diaspora.
Tawanda is a name from the Shona language of Zimbabwe, meaning 'we are many.' It is often given to express the idea of a child being part of a larger community or family. The name gained some visibility in the United States after appearing in the 1975 film 'The Prisoner of Second Avenue' and other media. Its usage in the U.S. peaked in 1977.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Tawie, Wanda
Sibling names for Tawanda
Names that share Tawanda's style, for a brother or sister.
