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Tawana

Girl name · African · American · English · Persian

Meaningwe have found · Shona

Tawana is an African and American girl name meaning “we have found”, with Shona roots. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name.

Did you know?

  • Hidden namesLook closely: Tawana has the name Ana hiding inside it.
  • GenerationTawana peaked in 1974, which makes it a Gen X name. The typical Tawana you'd meet today is about 51 years old.
  • HistoryTawana first shows up in US birth records in 1934, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 91 years since.
Baby smiling with eyes closed
hello, little Tawana

US births per million girls, 1934–2025

01252501934196020002011

Similar names

Girl name: ElianaGirl name: LilianaUnisex name: ArianaGirl name: EllianaGirl name: AlanaGirl name: Aitana
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).

About the name Tawana

Tawana is a girl name of African, American and English origin meaning “we have found”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It hit its peak in the 1970s, so it feels familiar without being trendy. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.

Origin:African namesAmerican namesEnglish namesPersian names

More African girl names

Questions about the name Tawana

What does the name Tawana mean?

Tawana means “we have found” and comes from Shona.

What is the origin of the name Tawana?

Tawana is African, American and English in origin, and its meaning traces back to Shona. Names often travel between languages and cultures, which is why Tawana turns up in more than one tradition. Other African names to consider are Layla (“night”), Zuri (“beautiful”), Aisha (“alive”) and Amber (“amber resin”).

Is Tawana a boy or girl name?

Tawana is a girl name.

How popular is the name Tawana?

Tawana is rare: fewer than 5 US girls got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2011. It peaked at #484 in 1974, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.

What should I know before naming my baby Tawana?

Tawana is an African and American girl name meaning “we have found”, with Shona roots. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.