Holding steady.
Popularity of Shakena since 1974
Babies named Shakena per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 81 |
| 1980s | 198 |
| 1990s | 103 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Shakena is a modern American name that first appeared in records in 1974, during a period when creative, melodic names ending in 'ena' or 'ina' were growing in popularity. Though it has never entered the national top 1,000, it reached its highest usage in 1984, capturing a moment when parents sought distinctive yet feminine-sounding names. The name's trajectory shows steady but low usage, particularly in the 1980s, with no recent revival. Because the name is relatively rare and its origins unclear, it may be a respelling of Shakina or an independent invention. It remains a unique choice, reflecting the broader trend of invented names in African American and other communities during the late 20th century.
Shakena is a modern coinage that emerged in the United States during the 1970s, part of a trend of feminine names ending in -ena or -ina. It may be influenced by the Hebrew word 'Shekhinah' (שכינה), meaning 'divine presence', but this connection is speculative. The name saw peak usage in 1984 and has remained in low but steady use since then.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shakey, Kena
Sibling names for Shakena
Names that share Shakena's style, for a brother or sister.
