Mahawa is a name of African origin, specifically from West Africa. It is of Mandinka ethnicity, and it means "happiness" or "joy". The name Mahawa is often used among the Mandinka people in countries like Senegal, Gambia, Mali, and Guinea. It is a unisex name, meaning it can be given to both boys and girls. In some cultures, names are believed to have a profound influence on the child's life and character, reflecting the hopes and aspirations of their parents or guardians for their future. Thus, naming a child Mahawa signifies the wish for happiness and joy in their life.
The name Mahawa experienced a decline in popularity between 2006 and 2009, with only 5 births recorded in the latter year compared to 6 in the former. However, it saw a slight resurgence from 2010 onwards, with another 6 births that year. In recent times, there were again 5 births in 2020. Overall, between 2006 and 2020, Mahawa was chosen for 22 newborns.