Twila is an uncommon yet captivating female given name of American origin. It is derived from the German surname Schwytla, which itself has roots in the Old High German word 'swihtaz', meaning swift or speedy. The name Twila first gained popularity as a given name in the United States during the early 20th century, although its exact origins are somewhat unclear.
One popular theory suggests that Twila may have originated as a nickname for individuals born on May 21st, as this day is associated with Saint Wilibald, whose name shares similar phonetic sounds. However, there is no definitive evidence to support this claim.
Regardless of its origins, Twila has been embraced by many families throughout the years due to its unique sound and spelling. It is often misspelled or mispronounced, which can add to its distinctive character. While not traditionally associated with any particular month or season, those who bear this name may be celebrating their birthdays at various times of the year.
In literature and popular culture, Twila has made a few appearances, notably in the works of American author William Faulkner. However, it remains a relatively rare name, contributing to its exotic and intriguing appeal. For parents seeking an unusual yet meaningful name for their daughter, Twila offers an attractive option rich in history and distinctive charm.
The name Twila has a rich history of usage in the United States, with its popularity waxing and waning over time. The first recorded birth of a girl named Twila occurred in 1890, with only 6 such births that year. This number increased to 10 in 1891, but then fluctuated between 9 and 27 births per year until reaching its peak popularity in the early 1920s.
Between 1922 and 1934, Twila was consistently one of the most popular girls' names in the United States. During this period, there were over 160 births per year on average, peaking at 195 births in 1934. However, popularity began to decline after this point, with fewer than 200 Twila births recorded each year from 1935 onwards.
Despite the decline in popularity, Twila remained a relatively common name throughout much of the mid-20th century. There were typically between 50 and 150 births per year during this time period. However, usage dropped significantly after the 1970s, with fewer than 30 girls named Twila born each year from 1980 onwards.
In recent years, there has been a slight resurgence in popularity for the name Twila. Between 2016 and 2022, an average of 26 births per year were recorded for this name, with a peak of 34 births in 2022. This demonstrates that while Twila may not be as popular today as it once was, there is still a place for this unique and historic name in the United States.