Holding steady.
Popularity of Shanique since 1970
Babies named Shanique per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 187 |
| 1980s | 387 |
| 1990s | 985 |
| 2000s | 124 |
| 2010s | 6 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Shanique is a modern American name that first appeared on the Social Security Administration's baby name list in 1970. It reached its peak popularity in 1992, when it was given to approximately 230 girls, and has since seen modest but stable usage. The name is part of a broader trend of names incorporating the Sha- prefix and the -ique suffix, which were especially fashionable in African American communities during the late 20th century. Though its exact meaning is unknown, Shanique remains a distinctive choice with a contemporary feel.
Shanique first appeared in U.S. birth records in the 1970s and peaked in popularity in 1992. It is considered a modern coinage, possibly formed from the fashionable prefix Sha- (also seen in names like Shantelle and Shanice) combined with the popular suffix -ique, inspired by French-derived names like Dominique and Unique. Its meaning is not established from historical roots.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shani, Nikki, Que
Sibling names for Shanique
Names that share Shanique's style, for a brother or sister.
