Hiawatha Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Hiawatha is a name of Native American origin, specifically from the Iroquois culture, meaning 'he makes rivers.' The name has evolved from its roots in the Iroquois language to become well-known in English-speaking contexts. It is associated with traits of leadership and peacemaking. There is no biblical relevance. The name gained popularity in the 19th century through literary works, particularly Longfellow's poem, and continues to be celebrated as a representation of Native American heritage.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Hiawatha"
Pronunciation
/haɪəˈwɔːθə/
Origin
Native American (Iroquois)
Etymology
The name Hiawatha is derived from the Iroquois language, meaning 'he makes rivers.' It is associated with a legendary figure in Iroquois mythology who is known as a great leader and a peacemaker.
Meaning
he makes rivers
Language Evolution
Hiawatha (Iroquois), Hiawatha (English usage)
Historical Usage
Hiawatha gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly through Longfellow's poem 'The Song of Hiawatha,' which romanticized Native American culture and history.
Variants & Derivatives
Hiawathah, Hi'awatha
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Hiawatha is often viewed as a symbol of Native American identity and heritage, celebrated for its cultural significance and historical context.
Famous People
Hiawatha (legendary figure), Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (author of 'The Song of Hiawatha')
📊 Hiawatha Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Hiawatha Name Visualizations
✨ Hiawatha Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 31 peak births in 1934
Geographic Spread
Popular across 4 US states, with strongest presence in Alabama
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Hiawatha"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Hiawatha"
"Hiawatha" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2107th of 7545 | 236 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1851st of 6773 | 280 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2250th of 7552 | 247 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3806th of 10718 | 118 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 9366th of 16616 | 39 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 24088th of 24088 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 3797th of 9107 | 104 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 4309th of 9204 | 79 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 5773rd of 12526 | 83 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 10888th of 19264 | 37 |
Regional Popularity of "Hiawatha" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
65.89% 1559th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
95.07% 2237th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
77.71% 2217th/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Hiawatha" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
100.00% 2366th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Hiawatha"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Hiawatha" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Hiawatha" in the United States
The name Hiawatha is most popular in Alabama, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Hiawatha has been stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South. Across generations, 'Hiawatha' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2107th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1851st out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2250th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3806th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 9366th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 24088th out of 24088 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3797th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4309th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 5773rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 10888th out of 19264 names. Discover how the name 'Hiawatha' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.