Lawanda is a unique and uncommon given name of African American origin. It is believed to have been created during the early 20th century, possibly as a blend of two popular names of that era: Lawana and Wanda.
The name Lawanda does not have an explicit meaning or association with any particular language or culture. However, it is often associated with the Latin word "laurus," which means "laurel" and can symbolize victory and success. Some people also associate the name with the African Swahili word " lawama," which means "to love." Despite these associations, there is no concrete evidence to support a specific meaning for the name Lawanda.
The history of the name Lawanda is not well-documented, as it was likely created by an individual or family and spread through word-of-mouth within their community. It is not considered a traditional African American name but rather a creative invention that has been passed down through generations.
Today, Lawanda remains relatively rare, with only a small number of individuals bearing this unique name worldwide. However, it continues to be used by families who appreciate its distinctiveness and creativity.
The name Lawanda experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the course of a century. While it began with a steady increase from 6 births in 1917 to a peak of 48 births in 1926, it then fluctuated widely, reaching as high as 529 births in 1975 and dropping as low as 7 births in 2001. The total number of births with the name Lawanda over this period was 12,093.