MallowbyNames

Shakara

shah-KAH-rah · Meaning is uncertain; possibly a variant of Shakira or a coined name.

Peak popularity
1990
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Shakara since 1976

Babies named Shakara per year in U.S. Social Security records.

224466198020002020Most births 1990Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s48
1980s259
1990s417
2000s167
2010s5
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Shakara entered U.S. birth records in 1976, a period when creative coinages and melodious -a endings were gaining favor. Its peak year, 1990, coincided with a broader trend of names inspired by music and dance. Despite not ranking in the top 1000, the name maintains a steady, if minimal, presence. Its exact etymology remains unclear, but it likely arose as a modern invention, possibly influenced by the Arabic name Shakira or the Yoruba cultural term. The name has not been concentrated in any particular state, reflecting its status as a rare, widely scattered choice. For parents seeking a distinctive and lyrical name with a contemporary feel, Shakara offers a unique option without a long historical tradition.

Shakara first appeared in U.S. records in 1976. It may be a creative respelling or elaboration of Shakira, a name popularized by the Colombian singer, or derived from the Yoruba word 'ṣàkárà' meaning 'a type of dance' or 'joy', but this connection is speculative. The name saw modest use in the 1990s, peaking in 1990, and remains rare.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Shak, Kara, Shari

Variants: Shakarra, Shakarah

Sibling names for Shakara

Names that share Shakara's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Aaliyah, Kiana, Nia, Zara, Imani

Brothers: Jabari, Khalil, Malik, Omari, Troy

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

S is for Shakara, our favorite little girl.

S is for Shakara…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Shakara's letter becomes Shakara's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Shakara mean?
The meaning of Shakara is uncertain. It may be a variant of Shakira, which means 'grateful' in Arabic, or inspired by the Yoruba word for a dance or joy, but no definitive origin is established.
How popular is the name Shakara?
Shakara has never ranked in the U.S. top 1000. Its peak year was 1990, and it has remained very rare since.
Is Shakara a boy or girl name?
Shakara is almost exclusively used for girls.