All about the name
Wauneta
Female
« Wauneta is a distinctive American girls' name coined by Zane Grey in his novel "The Driftin' Cowboy." Its meaning, derived from Native American or Welsh-English elements, is 'white/light' or 'Gwen-Eva,' respectively. Despite its rarity today, it gained popularity mid-20th century and was famously held by golfer Wauneta Greene. »
#10852
since 1900
Meaning, origin, history
Wauneta is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is believed to have been coined by the famous American author Zane Grey, who used it in his 1923 novel "The Driftin' Cowboy." The character Wauneta was a woman of strength and courage, which may have contributed to the popularity of the name.
The meaning of Wauneta is not universally agreed upon, as it was invented by Zane Grey. However, some sources suggest that it may be derived from the Native American word "wauna," which means "white" or "light." Alternatively, it could be interpreted as a combination of the Welsh name "Gwen" and the English name "Eva."
Despite its unusual origin, Wauneta has been used as a given name in America for several decades. According to some sources, it was particularly popular in the mid-20th century, although it remains relatively rare today.
One notable figure with the name Wauneta is Wauneta "Waunie" Greene, an American golfer who won multiple tournaments throughout her career in the 1950s and 1960s. She was known for her powerful drives and competitive spirit on the course.
In conclusion, while Wauneta may not be a widely recognized name today, it has an interesting origin story tied to American literature and sports. Its unique sound and meaning make it a memorable choice for parents looking for something different for their child's given name.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Wauneta since 1880
Total births
552
Total since 1880
Peak year
1922
32 births
in 1950
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years