Hello, NB says Winona comes from the Sioux natives. I’ve heard the name fairly often so was a little surprised (Sioux are not where I live) though perhaps people are using it the way they do Dakota (which I know is pretty iffy). I like the sound of the name but want to avoid appropriating. Is this a name I should appreciate and let go? Any suggestions of alternatives? I like Winifred but can’t quite get past “fred.” Thank you!
Edit: Thanks everyone! I’ll err on the side of caution and look over all the nice alternatives suggested.
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Hmm, I couldn’t really say, but here are some similar sounding names you might like:
- [name_f]Winslet[/name_f]
- [name_f]Una[/name_f]
- [name_f]Wilhelmina[/name_f]
- [name_f]Winola[/name_f]
- [name_u]Willow[/name_u]
- [name_f]Winifred[/name_f]
- [name_f]Winsome[/name_f]
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i personally think this name is fine to use! there are plenty of winona’s who don’t have sioux heritage. it’s important to know the importance of a name’s heritage and it seems like you’re very courteous and respectful of that! if you are looking for something like winona, maybe you’d like elowen, tallulah, morwenna, sunniva, or winika! 
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A few alternatives…
[name_f]Winola[/name_f]
[name_f]Oriana[/name_f]
[name_u]Winter[/name_u]
[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f]
[name_f]Noelia[/name_f]
[name_f]Annora[/name_f]
[name_f]Leona[/name_f]
Willodeen
[name_f]Ilona[/name_f]
[name_f]Elora[/name_f]
[name_u]Cleo[/name_u]
[name_f]Lowenna[/name_f]
It’s a tough call, to be honest. I live in Minnesota, and we have a [name_f]Winona[/name_f] Minnesota. Many Minnesota cities get their names from the [name_f]Sioux[/name_f]. I would personally err on the side of avoiding appropriation and not use this name, but it is beautiful!
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