Tawn is a unique and uncommon female given name of American origin. The name is believed to have been created by the author Harold Bell Wright for his character Tawnya in his novel "The Shepherd of the Hills," published in 1907. In the novel, Tawnya is a beautiful young woman who lives in the Ozark Mountains and is renowned for her kindness, intelligence, and strength.
While there is no specific meaning or etymology associated with the name Tawn itself, it is often interpreted as being derived from the English word "tawny," which means having a brownish-yellow color. This interpretation could be linked to the character's association with nature and the Ozark Mountains.
Throughout history, there have been few notable individuals named Tawn. However, this rarity may contribute to its appeal for those seeking an uncommon yet memorable name for their child. Despite its scarcity in popular usage, Tawn remains a charming and distinctive option for parents looking for something different.
In terms of popularity, Tawn has never appeared in the top 1000 names for babies born in the United States since records began being kept by the Social Security Administration in 1936. This further emphasizes its unique status among female given names.
In conclusion, Tawn is a rare and captivating name with American origins and a literary connection to Harold Bell Wright's novel "The Shepherd of the Hills." While there may not be a definitive meaning or etymology associated with it, some people interpret it as being linked to the English word "tawny." With its scarcity in popular usage, Tawn remains an appealing choice for those seeking a distinctive and memorable name for their child.
The name Tawn experienced a brief period of popularity during the late 1960s and early 1970s in the United States. According to records from the Social Security Administration, there were five babies named Tawn born each year in 1968 and again in 1974. The name's popularity peaked in 1970 and 1971 with six births each of those years.
Overall, between 1962 and 1974, there were a total of 32 babies named Tawn born in the United States. While this number may seem small compared to more popular names of the time, it is important to note that these statistics only reflect the instances where the name was spelled as "Tawn". Other spellings such as "Tawnya" or "Taun" may have been used and are not included in these figures.
Despite its limited use during this period, the name Tawn has a unique sound and offers an interesting alternative for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child. As with any name, its popularity can vary over time and across different cultures, but it is always exciting to discover names that have been used by a small number of individuals throughout history.