Declining since 2002, #8,362 for girls today.
Popularity of Shakira since 1970
Babies named Shakira per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 682 |
| 1980s | 1,469 |
| 1990s | 2,797 |
| 2000s | 2,675 |
| 2010s | 549 |
| 2020s | 104 |
Meaning & origin
Shakira first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1970, but its prominence skyrocketed after the eponymous Colombian singer rose to fame in the late 1990s. The name reached its peak rank of 8362 in 2002, the year after her hit 'Whenever, Wherever' topped charts worldwide. Since then, its usage has been falling, though it remains a recognizable choice. As of 2025, the name is given to roughly 1 in every 133,939 girls, a rarity that appeals to parents seeking a name with global flair. The name's Arabic roots connect it to a tradition of virtue names, and its melodic sound has helped it transcend cultural boundaries. Though no longer as trendy as in the early 2000s, Shakira retains a distinctive, rhythmic quality.
Shakira is the feminine form of Shakir, derived from the Arabic root sh-k-r, meaning 'to thank' or 'to be grateful'. It thus carries the meaning 'thankful' or 'grateful'. The name has been used in the Arabic-speaking world for centuries, but gained international prominence through the Colombian singer Shakira (born Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll), whose father is of Lebanese descent.
Where Shakira is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shaki, Kira
Sibling names for Shakira
Names that share Shakira's style, for a brother or sister.
