Holding steady.
Popularity of Shakinah since 1978
Babies named Shakinah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 6 |
| 1980s | 43 |
| 1990s | 53 |
| 2000s | 37 |
| 2010s | 8 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Shakinah is a rare American name that debuted in 1978 and has never entered the top 1,000. Its peak popularity came in 1996, but since then it has remained stable at very low usage, with no clear trajectory of growth or decline. The name does not appear in any particular top states, suggesting broad but minimal use across the country. Its meaning is unclear, and it is best understood as a modern reinvention, possibly influenced by the Hebrew term Shekinah. For parents seeking a distinctive yet spiritually resonant name, Shakinah offers a unique alternative to more common variants.
The name Shakinah appears to be a modern American coinage, first recorded in 1978. It may be influenced by the Hebrew term Shekinah (שכינה), which denotes the dwelling or settling of the divine presence of God, particularly the Holy Spirit in the Tabernacle. However, the spelling with 'a' is atypical and suggests a creative respelling or invention, perhaps blending sounds from names like Shakira or Aisha. Since the 1980s, its usage has been sporadic, peaking in 1996 but remaining rare.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shaki, Kina
Sibling names for Shakinah
Names that share Shakinah's style, for a brother or sister.
