Lashawndra is a unique and captivating name of African-American origin. It is believed to have been created in the early 1970s during the height of the Black Power movement, which emphasized racial pride and cultural heritage.
The name Lashawndra consists of two elements: "Las(h)" and "-andra." The first part, "Las(h)," is derived from the Latin word "lascivus," which means "wanton" or "lustful." However, it is important to note that this element does not carry any negative connotations in the context of Lashawndra. Rather, it is used as a simple phonetic building block for the name.
The second part, "-andra," is a popular ending found in many African-American names, such as Tanisha, LaToya, and Shantel. It is believed to have originated from the Latin suffix "-ander" or "-andra," which denotes "resembling" or "having the qualities of." In the case of Lashawndra, it serves as a unifying element with other names that share this ending.
There is no widely accepted meaning or history associated specifically with the name Lashawndra. Like many modern names created during the Black Power movement, its significance lies largely in its unique sound and association with African-American culture and heritage. However, some people have interpreted Lashawndra to mean "beautiful darkness," although there is no etymological evidence to support this interpretation.
In recent years, Lashawndra has become more prevalent, particularly among African-American families who continue to embrace names that reflect their cultural identity and history. Despite its relative obscurity compared to more common names like Jessica or Emily, Lashawndra remains a powerful and distinctive choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child.
In conclusion, the name Lashawndra is of African-American origin, created during the Black Power movement in the early 1970s. Its elements, "Las(h)" and "-andra," do not carry specific meanings but contribute to its unique sound and cultural significance. While there is no widely accepted history or meaning associated with Lashawndra, its use continues to reflect African-American pride and heritage.
Statistics on the Given Name Lashawndra
The name Lashawndra has seen varying popularity over several decades in the United States, as indicated by these annual birth statistics:
From 1971 to 1983, there was a steady increase in the number of newborn girls named Lashawndra. The highest point during this period was in 1983 with 15 births.
In the late eighties and early nineties, the popularity of the name started to decline but remained stable around 10 to 20 births per year until 1997.
Over these three decades, a total of 256 newborn girls were named Lashawndra in the United States. This data shows how the name has maintained a consistent presence while experiencing fluctuations in its popularity over time.
It's fascinating to observe how trends in baby naming evolve and change through the years. The study of names and their statistical occurrences can provide insight into cultural shifts, personal preferences, and societal influences.