Declining since 2020, #4,707 for boys today.
Popularity of Shamir since 1975
Babies named Shamir per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2010, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Shamir's real moment was 2016.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 0 | 5 |
| 1980s | 86 | 220 |
| 1990s | 70 | 314 |
| 2000s | 53 | 409 |
| 2010s | 5 | 385 |
| 2020s | 0 | 179 |
Meaning & origin
Shamir has been in consistent but modest use in the United States since it first appeared in 1975. The name reached its peak popularity in 2016, when it achieved its highest rank, though it has been gradually declining since 2020. At a current rate of roughly 1 in 81337 newborns, Shamir remains an uncommon choice. Its Hebrew origin and biblical resonance give it a grounded, ancient feel, while its modern usage in Israel and among Jewish families outside Israel keeps it current. The name's trajectory suggests it is a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with deep cultural roots and a sharp, memorable sound.
Shamir derives from the Hebrew noun שמיר (shamir), referring to a sharp stone or thorn. It appears in the Hebrew Bible as a substance hard enough to cut stone, used in the construction of Solomon's Temple. In modern Hebrew, it has been adopted as a personal name, gaining popularity in Israel since the mid-20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shami, Miri
Sibling names for Shamir
Names that share Shamir's style, for a brother or sister.
