Holding steady, #9,714 for boys today.
Popularity of Shammah since 1978
Babies named Shammah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 0 | 7 |
| 1980s | 0 | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 | 6 |
| 2000s | 0 | 14 |
| 2010s | 19 | 25 |
| 2020s | 20 | 21 |
Meaning & origin
Shammah is a rare biblical name that has seen minimal usage in the United States. First recorded in 1978, its peak year of usage was also 1978, reflecting an extremely small number of births. By 2025, it ranked 9714 with a frequency of 1 in 244011 newborns, indicating it remains a highly uncommon choice. The name has not experienced major revivals or trends, and its trajectory appears stable. As a unisex name, it is most often given to boys but sometimes used for girls. Its top states are not recorded due to low numbers. Parents drawn to Shammah likely value its Old Testament roots and rarity, but it has not gained widespread popularity.
Shammah appears in the Hebrew Bible as a son of Jesse and brother of King David (1 Samuel 16:9). The name is of uncertain meaning; some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'desert' or 'astonishment,' but no consensus exists. As a given name, it has been used sparingly in English-speaking countries, reflecting a broader pattern of reviving Old Testament names.
Sibling names for Shammah
Names that share Shammah's style, for a brother or sister.
