Winona

Meaning of Winona

It means "firstborn daughter" in the Dakota language.

Winona has Dakota roots — browse every Dakota baby name in our catalog.

Popularity of Winona

Winona is more popular than ever, reaching a new high of #627 in 2025 from #980 in 2022.

Notable people named Winona

• Winona Ryder
  Actress in film and television
• Wynonna Judd
  Country music singer
• Winona LaDuke
  Environmentalist and writer
• Winona Ryder
  Actress in film and television
• Winona Mulherin
  Australian politician

Questions about the name Winona

What does the name Winona mean?

Winona means it means "firstborn daughter" in the dakota language, and it comes from Dakota origins.

Is Winona a boy's or a girl's name?

Winona is most commonly used as a girl's name in the United States.

How popular is the name Winona?

In 2025, Winona ranked #627 for girls, up from #738 the year before.

When was Winona most popular?

Winona peaked at #627 in 2025.