Winona
Winona is a girl name of Dakota Sioux origin meaning “Firstborn daughter”, pronounced wih-NOH-nuh. It ranked #627 in the United States in 2025, given to 466 babies, and peaked at #407 in 1924. Common nicknames: Winnie, Nona, Win.
How popular is Winona in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Winona mean, and where does it come from?
Winona comes from the Dakota Sioux language, where it is traditionally given to the firstborn daughter in a family. The name holds deep cultural significance in Native American communities, particularly among the Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota peoples. Several cities and geographic features in the American Midwest bear this name, including Winona, Minnesota, named after a legendary Dakota woman. The name gained wider recognition through actress Winona Ryder, who was herself named after the city of Winona, Minnesota. Winona carries a sense of honor, heritage, and the beauty of indigenous American naming traditions.
How is Winona used around the world?
Winona is used in 0 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Winona?
Famous People Named Winona
- Winona Ryder — American actress (Stranger Things, Edward Scissorhands)
- Winona LaDuke — Native American environmentalist and activist
- Wynonna Judd — American country music singer
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Sibling Name Ideas for Winona
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Winona mean?
Winona is a girl name of Dakota Sioux origin meaning "Firstborn daughter." Winona comes from the Dakota Sioux language, where it is traditionally given to the firstborn daughter in a family. The name holds deep cultural significance in Native American communities, particularly among the Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota peoples.
How do you pronounce Winona?
Winona is pronounced wih-NOH-nuh. Common variations include Wynona, Wenona, Wenonah.
Is Winona a girl name?
Yes, Winona is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Winnie, Nona, Win.