Twanda is a unique and uncommon female given name of African origin. It is derived from the Swahili word "tunda," which means "fruit." The name Twanda is believed to have been coined by the late American poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou, who used it as her middle name. According to Angelou, she chose the name because it symbolizes fruition and the culmination of one's efforts and experiences in life. Although not widely known or used, the name Twanda carries a powerful meaning and is associated with the inspiring figure of Maya Angelou.
The name Twanda has a unique history of usage in the United States over the past century. Between 1924 and 1995, there were a total of 1,362 babies named Twanda born in the U.S., with the popularity of the name varying significantly year by year.
The earliest recorded birth of a child named Twanda was in 1924, with only five births that year. The number of births remained relatively low until the late 1950s when there was a notable increase in usage. In 1957 and 1958, there were 21 births each year, marking the first time Twanda was given to more than 20 babies in a single year.
The popularity of the name continued to rise throughout the early 1960s, peaking at 66 births in 1969. This decade saw consistent growth in the number of babies named Twanda, with a total of 458 births between 1960 and 1970.
However, as with many names, popularity can be fleeting. After reaching its peak in 1969, the usage of Twanda began to decline. Between 1971 and 1995, there were only five years where more than ten babies were named Twanda. The most recent data available shows that in 1995, six babies were named Twanda.
Despite its fluctuations in popularity over time, the name Twanda has maintained a consistent presence in the United States for nearly a century. With over 1,300 births recorded, it is clear that this unique name has left its mark on American naming trends.