All about the name

Lawanna

Female

« Lawanna is a rare, African American name created during the Harlem Renaissance, potentially blending Lavinia ('graceful') and Anna ('graced by God'). »

#4089 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Lawanna is a unique and uncommon name of African American origin. It is believed to have been created during the era of the Harlem Renaissance in the early 20th century, when many African Americans were giving their children names with strong, African-inspired meanings. The meaning behind Lawanna is not widely known, as it is not a traditional African or African American name. However, some sources suggest that it may have been created as a blend of two popular African American names from the time period: Lavinia and Anna. Therefore, Lawanna could potentially mean "graceful" (from Lavinia) and "graced by God" (from Anna). Despite its unknown origins, Lawanna has been used sparingly throughout history. It is not listed among the Social Security Administration's most popular baby names in the United States, nor is it particularly common in other English-speaking countries. One notable figure with the name Lawanna is Lawanna buckner, an American jazz musician who was active during the 1950s and 60s. She played piano and sang, performing alongside some of the biggest names in jazz history, including Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. Overall, Lawanna remains a rare and distinctive name, with a fascinating history tied to the African American experience and the rich cultural movement that was the Harlem Renaissance. Its unique sound and meaning make it an appealing choice for parents looking for something different for their child.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Lawanna since 1880

Total births
2,381
Total since 1880
Peak year
1964
74 births
in 1996
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years