Lashawanda is a unique and distinctive female given name of African American origin. It is composed of two elements: "Lasha", which means "of the morning star" or "bringer of light", and "wanda", which means "wonder". Therefore, the name Lashawanda can be interpreted as "bringer of light and wonder".
The name Lashawanda is believed to have been coined by African American author, playwright, and civil rights activist Amiri Baraka (formerly LeRoi Jones). He used the name for one of the characters in his 1964 play "The Toilet". Since then, it has gained some popularity among African American communities in the United States.
Although Lashawanda is not a traditional or well-documented name with a long history, it is an original creation that reflects the cultural and artistic trends of the mid-20th century. It is a name that embodies the spirit of creativity, self-expression, and empowerment, which were central themes in the Black Arts Movement that Baraka was a part of.
Today, Lashawanda remains a relatively rare name, but it continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its unique meaning and sound. It is often associated with strength, originality, and independent thought. However, it is important to note that this association is based on personal perceptions and may vary among individuals.
In conclusion, Lashawanda is a unique female given name of African American origin that means "bringer of light and wonder". Coined by Amiri Baraka, it reflects the cultural and artistic trends of the mid-20th century. Although not well-documented, it is an original creation that embodies creativity, self-expression, and empowerment. Today, Lashawanda remains a rare but meaningful name choice.
Lashawanda is a unique and distinctive name that has seen a varied pattern of usage over the years in the United States. According to the data provided, there were five babies named Lashawanda in 1973, followed by nine in 1974, indicating a significant increase in popularity during that year alone.
The name's popularity appears to have fluctuated throughout the decade of the 1970s and into the 1980s. After peaking at nine births in 1974, the number of babies named Lashawanda dropped back down to five in 1976, only to rise again to six in 1977. There was another decline after that, with just five births recorded in 1983.
Despite these variations in popularity, it's notable that the name Lashawanda has consistently seen at least a few newborns each year over this period. This suggests that while it may not have been a particularly common name, it did have some degree of recurrence and familiarity within the naming landscape of its time.
In total, across these years (1973-1983), there were 30 babies named Lashawanda in the United States. While this number represents only a small fraction of the total births during those years, it demonstrates that the name Lashawanda has held a unique place in American naming culture for several decades.
It's important to remember that names often reflect cultural trends and personal preferences, which can change over time. The statistics provided here offer a snapshot of how the name Lashawanda was received during one period, but its usage may have evolved differently before or after these years. Nonetheless, this data underscores the individuality of the name Lashawanda and its enduring presence in American naming history.