Tequoia is a unique and uncommon given name of Native American origin. It is derived from the name of the redwood tree species known as Sequoia sempervirens, which are native to the coastal regions of California and Oregon in the United States.
The name Tequoia was popularized by the famous Sequoyah, a Cherokee silversmith who invented the Cherokee syllabary, a writing system for the Cherokee language. Sequoyah was born in 1768 near what is now the town of Bartow, Georgia, and his given name was George Gist.
After learning about the alphabet used by European settlers, Sequoyah became determined to create a writing system for the Cherokee people. He spent many years working on his syllabary, which he completed in 1821. The syllabary consists of 85 symbols that represent syllables rather than individual letters or sounds.
Sequoyah's invention had a significant impact on the Cherokee Nation and helped to promote literacy among its members. In recognition of his achievements, Sequoyah was eventually given the name "Sequoyah," which is derived from the name of the giant redwood tree species. The name Tequoia is believed to have been inspired by Sequoyah's name.
The name Tequoia has not gained widespread popularity as a given name, but it has been used occasionally in the United States since the mid-20th century. It is often spelled in various ways, including Tequa, Tekowa, and Tekoya.
In summary, Tequoia is a unique and uncommon given name of Native American origin that was popularized by Sequoyah, the inventor of the Cherokee syllabary. The name has not gained widespread popularity but has been used occasionally as a given name in the United States.
"Between 1988 and 1989, there were a total of 11 babies named Tequoia."