MallowbyNames

Shakirah

shah-KEE-rah · thankful, grateful (Arabic)

Peak popularity
1992
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 1993

Declining since 1993.

Popularity of Shakirah since 1976

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

142842198020002020Most births 1992Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s38
1980s224
1990s313
2000s197
2010s36
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Shakirah is a feminine Arabic name meaning 'thankful' or 'grateful,' a direct feminine form of Shakir. It entered the U.S. Social Security data in 1976, a relatively late first recorded year, and never reached the top 1000. Its peak year was 1992, after which its trajectory has been falling since 1993. The name holds a modest place among Arabic-origin names in America, often chosen for its melodic sound and spiritual significance. While top states are not recorded for this name, its usage scattered across the country reflects its niche appeal. Shakirah remains less common than its variant Shakira, which has seen wider popularity.

Shakirah is the feminine form of Shakir, derived from the Arabic root sh-k-r meaning 'to thank' or 'to be grateful.' It is related to the masculine name Shakir and the more common variant Shakira. The name has been used across the Arabic-speaking world and gained wider recognition in the late 20th century.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Shaki, Kira, Shak

Variants: Shakira, Shakiera, Shakirah

Sibling names for Shakirah

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

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

S is for Shakirah, our favorite little girl.

S is for Shakirah…”

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

Make Shakirah's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does Shakirah mean?
Shakirah means 'thankful' or 'grateful' in Arabic.
How popular is the name Shakirah?
Shakirah first appeared in U.S. data in 1976 but has never ranked in the top 1000. Its peak usage was in 1992, after which it has steadily declined.
Is Shakirah a girl's name?
Yes, Shakirah is typically used as a feminine name, the feminine counterpart of Shakir.