Tewana is a unique and beautiful name of African origin, particularly from the West African region. It is believed to have been brought to popularity by the famous jazz singer Tewa (1926-2018), who was born in Nigeria but gained international fame for her performances around the world.
The meaning behind the name Tewana is not universally agreed upon, as it is not a traditional African name. However, some sources suggest that it could be derived from the Yoruba language of West Africa and interpreted to mean "the one who brings beauty" or "beautiful crown." The name is often associated with elegance, grace, and a sense of royalty.
The history of Tewana as a name appears to be relatively recent. While it may have been used in specific African communities for generations, its widespread popularity can be attributed largely to the influence of Tewa, the jazz singer who popularized it in the mid-20th century. As she performed around the world, her unique and powerful voice captivated audiences, and her name became synonymous with talent and artistic excellence.
Today, Tewana continues to be an uncommon but beloved name, often chosen by parents looking for something distinctive and meaningful for their daughters. Its African roots and connection to music make it a compelling choice for those drawn to its cultural significance and historic ties to creativity and expression.
The name Tewana has seen a varied but steady presence in the United States since the late 1950s. From 1958 to 1982, there were a total of 73 babies named Tewana born across the country.
Looking at the annual statistics, we can see that the name's popularity has fluctuated over the years. The highest number of births for girls named Tewana occurred in 1971 with 10 newborns. This was closely followed by two peak years in 1967 and 1976, each with 8 births.
Interestingly, there were five years (1958, 1961, 1977, and twice in 1982) where only five babies were named Tewana. This indicates that while it may not have been a very common name during these periods, it was still present.
Overall, the statistics show that the name Tewana has maintained a consistent though modest level of popularity over four decades in the United States.