Teonna is a unique and captivating name of African American origin. It is derived from the Swahili word "teona," which means "to be silent." The name Teonna is believed to have been popularized by author Terry McMillan, who used it in her novel "Waiting to Exhale" published in 1992.
The meaning of Teonna, "to be silent," might suggest a person who is reserved or introspective. However, there's no evidence that this is the primary reason why parents choose this name for their daughters. Instead, many are drawn to its distinct sound and spelling, which sets it apart from other names with similar meanings.
In African American culture, Teonna has become increasingly popular in recent years. Despite its Swahili origin, it does not appear to have a specific connection to any particular tribe or region within Africa. Rather, it is seen as a unique and modern name that signifies individuality and strength.
The history of the name Teonna can be traced back to Terry McMillan's novel, but its origins in African culture give it an ancient and powerful feel. It is a name that combines the best of both worlds: it is rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Africa while also being a modern and unique choice for parents seeking something special for their daughters.
In conclusion, Teonna is a captivating and distinct name with origins in African culture. Its meaning, "to be silent," may not define those who bear this name, but rather adds to its uniqueness. Popularized by literature and embraced by African American culture, Teonna stands out as a powerful and individualistic choice for a girl's name.
The name Teonna has been given to a total of 1,136 babies born in the United States over the past five decades, from 1970 to 2022. The popularity of this name has varied significantly over time.
In the early 1970s, the number of births with the name Teonna remained relatively low, ranging between five and eight per year. However, starting in 1981, there was a notable increase in its usage, with as many as 31 babies named Teonna born in a single year (1988).
The peak popularity of Teonna occurred between the mid-1990s to early 2000s. During this period, the number of births with this name ranged from a high of 55 in 1996 to a low of 35 in 2002. This trend shows that Teonna was quite popular during these years.
Since then, however, the usage of Teonna has declined significantly. From 2005 onwards, fewer than 40 babies have been named Teonna each year, with the most recent data showing seven births in both 2019 and 2022.
This trend suggests that while Teonna was once a popular name choice among parents in the United States, its popularity has since waned. Despite this decrease in usage, it is still being used today, as seen by the birth of eight babies named Teonna in 2021 and seven in 2022.