MallowbyNames

Shamira

shah-MEER-ah · Probably a feminine form of Shamir, a Hebrew name meaning 'flint' or 'sharp stone', or a variant of the Arabic name Shamira meaning 'a species of fragrant plant'.

2025 rank (girls)
#8,860
Babies named in 2025
11
Peak popularity
1991
2025 frequency
1 in 146,115 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 2021

Rising since 2021, #8,860 for girls today.

Popularity of Shamira since 1973

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

234770198020002020Most births 1991Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s74
1980s353
1990s477
2000s413
2010s173
2020s58

Meaning & origin

Shamira is a name of Hebrew or Arabic origin that has appeared in US records since 1973. It reached its peak rank of 8860 in 1991, when it was given to a few dozen girls each year. After declining in usage, the name has been rising again since 2021. Despite its rarity, Shamira has a lyrical sound shared by names like Samira and Amira, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with ancient roots. The name's meaning is uncertain, possibly referencing flint or a fragrant herb, adding to its mystique.

Shamira is likely a feminine elaboration of Shamir, a Hebrew word for flint or obsidian, used as a personal name. Alternatively, it may derive from the Arabic Shamira, referring to a type of aromatic herb. The name has seen modest use in the United States since the 1970s, reflecting a pattern of parents adapting biblical or Semitic names into feminine forms.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Shami, Mira, Shay

Variants: Shamirah, Shameera

Sibling names for Shamira

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

Sisters: Zahara, Layla, Naomi, Safiya, Amara

Brothers: Zayn, Malik, Elias, Samir, Khalil

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

S is for Shamira, our favorite little girl.

S is for Shamira…”

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

Make Shamira's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Shamira mean?
Shamira is likely derived from the Hebrew word for flint or sharp stone, or from an Arabic word for a fragrant plant. The exact meaning depends on its origin.
How popular is the name Shamira?
Shamira has never been a common name in the US. In 2025 it ranked 8860, meaning about 1 in every 146115 newborn girls received it. Its peak popularity was in 1991.
Is Shamira a boy or girl name?
Shamira is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.