Tiwanda is a unique and uncommon female given name of African American origin. It is believed to have been created by the author and poet Alice Walker in her novel "The Color Purple", which was published in 1982.
In the novel, Tiwanda is one of the main characters and is portrayed as a young girl who is strong-willed and independent. Her name has been interpreted by some as meaning "beautiful dawn" or "morning star" in African languages such as Swahili or Yoruba, although there is no concrete evidence to support this claim.
The origin of the name Tiwanda is unclear, but it is possible that Walker created it to reflect the character's unique personality and background. The novel explores themes of racism, sexism, and abuse, and Tiwanda's story is one of resilience and empowerment in the face of adversity.
Despite its literary origins, Tiwanda has not become a widely popular name in the United States or elsewhere. According to data from the Social Security Administration, only a handful of babies have been named Tiwanda each year since the novel was published.
Nevertheless, for those who are drawn to its unique sound and meaning, Tiwanda remains an attractive and distinctive choice for a baby girl's name. It is a name that celebrates individuality, strength, and empowerment, making it a fitting tribute to Alice Walker's powerful literary legacy.
Statistics on the Name Tiwanda in the United States:
The name Tiwanda has seen varying levels of popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Between 1963 and 1982, there were a total of 177 babies named Tiwanda.
The peak years for the name Tiwanda were 1974 and 1975, with 15 births each year. This suggests that during these two years, the name may have been particularly trendy or popular among parents.
However, the popularity of the name Tiwanda was not consistent throughout this period. There were some years where only a handful of babies were named Tiwanda, such as in 1963 with just 5 births and 1977 with only 6 births.
Overall, while Tiwanda may not have been one of the most popular names during this time, it did maintain a consistent presence among baby name choices. It will be interesting to see how the popularity of this name evolves in the coming years.