Holding steady.
Popularity of Shantay since 1961
Babies named Shantay per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1987, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Shantay's real moment was 1978.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 72 |
| 1970s | 326 |
| 1980s | 528 |
| 1990s | 247 |
| 2000s | 93 |
| 2010s | 5 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Shantay first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1961, a product of the mid-20th century trend for invented names with melodic endings. Its peak year of use came in 1978, a time when similarly styled names like Chanté and Shanice were also gaining attention. Since then, its usage has remained steady but low, reflecting its status as a niche choice rather than a mainstream hit. Shantay has not been concentrated in any particular state, further underscoring its modest, scattered presence across the country. For parents seeking a name that feels distinctive yet familiar, Shantay offers a soft, feminine sound without a strong cultural or historical anchor.
Shantay emerged in the United States during the 1960s, first recorded in 1961. It appears to be a creative respelling or variant of names such as Chanté or Shanice, drawing on the popular -ay ending. The name saw modest use, peaking in 1978, and has remained in occasional use since.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shan, Tay
Variants: Shantae, Shanté
Sibling names for Shantay
Names that share Shantay's style, for a brother or sister.
