Meaning & Origin
A female given name from Dakota, used mainly in the United States.
Winona is a girl's baby name of Native American origin, from the Dakota wínona meaning 'firstborn daughter' — a name traditionally given to the eldest daughter in Dakota Sioux families. The city of Winona, Minnesota, takes its name from this tradition.
Actress Winona Ryder — one of the defining actors of 1990s American cinema — gave this name its most famous modern bearer, connecting it to indie-cool films like Heathers, Beetlejuice, and Edward Scissorhands. For parents who love its Native American heritage and its cinematic associations, Winona is a beautiful and meaningful choice.