Wenonah

Sioux Indian

"firstborn daughter"

Wenonah Origin and Meaning

The name Wenonah is a girl's name.

Wenonah is a feminine Native American name from the Dakota and Ojibwe traditions. It typically means "first-born daughter" or sometimes "daughter of the waters." In Longfellow's famous poem "The Song of Hiawatha," Wenonah appears as the mother of the protagonist, introducing the name to wider American culture. The name carries a melodic quality with its three distinct syllables and flowing sounds. Wenonah honors Indigenous heritage while offering a connection to American literary tradition. Though relatively uncommon in contemporary usage, the name maintains recognition and appreciation. Wenonah's nature-connected meaning appeals to parents seeking names with environmental ties. While pronunciation might initially challenge some (typically weh-NO-nah), its distinctive character makes it memorable once learned.

Famous People Named Wenonah

• Wenonah Day Bell American painter

The name Wenonah in Pop Culture

• Wenonah the mother of Hiawatha in Longfellow's epic poem The Song of Hiawatha (1855)
• Wenonah or Winona legendary Dakota Sioux girl said to have leaped to her death from Maiden Rock, Wisconsin, USA