Holding steady.
Popularity of Wava since 1892
Babies named Wava per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1924, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Wava's real moment was 1905.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 49 |
| 1900s | 98 |
| 1910s | 332 |
| 1920s | 495 |
| 1930s | 357 |
| 1940s | 225 |
| 1950s | 127 |
| 1960s | 32 |
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 7 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Wava is a name of uncertain origin that enjoyed a brief period of use in the early 1900s, peaking in 1905. Data shows it was first recorded in 1892, and its trajectory has remained stable with minimal usage since that peak. The name has never been among the top 1000 names in any recent year, with no recorded data for 1-in-N frequency. Despite a spike in the early 20th century, it has never been associated with any specific states or regions in significant numbers. Wava represents a category of names that emerged from creative, possibly rural naming traditions, with no clear etymology or enduring popularity.
The name Wava first appeared in the United States in the 1890s, reaching peak usage in 1905. Its origin is unclear; it may be a variant of the name Wanda, which is of Slavic origin meaning 'wanderer,' or a creative respelling of similar sounds. Early 20th-century records suggest it was used in rural areas but never entered widespread popularity.
Sibling names for Wava
Names that share Wava's style, for a brother or sister.
