Declining since 1991, #11,932 for girls today.
Popularity of Shani since 1962
Babies named Shani per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 413 |
| 1970s | 1,429 |
| 1980s | 920 |
| 1990s | 866 |
| 2000s | 592 |
| 2010s | 216 |
| 2020s | 89 |
Meaning & origin
Shani is a modern given name in the United States, first recorded in 1962, when it entered the Social Security data. Its highest use came in 1969, the peak year, after which it gradually fell in popularity. As of 2025, the name ranks 11,932 overall, with a frequency of approximately 1 in 229,610 newborns. The trajectory has been steadily falling since 1991. Shani's origins are uncertain: it may derive from Irish Shane or Hebrew Shana, or draw on the Swahili word for 'marvel.' This ambiguity makes the name flexible in terms of cultural associations, though it has never been strongly tied to any single ethnic or linguistic group. Given its modest but persistent presence in the data, Shani represents a niche choice for parents seeking a short, melodic name with an air of mystery.
The name Shani likely emerged as a modern coinage or respelling, possibly drawing from Irish Shane (derived from Seán, the Irish form of John) or Hebrew Shana (meaning 'beautiful' or 'lily'). In some contexts, it echoes the Swahili word 'shani' meaning 'marvel' or 'wonder.' Since the 1960s, it has been used occasionally in the United States, appearing on the Social Security list as a distinct given name, often for girls. Its popularity peaked in 1969 but has since declined.
“Shani” around the world
Where Shani lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Shani
Names that share Shani's style, for a brother or sister.
