Sharona

Meaning & origin

Sharona is a modern name that first entered U.S. birth records in 1957, but it is best remembered for its spike in usage around 1980, when it saw its peak year. Despite a brief increase in popularity, it has never been a common name; the one-in-N statistic is not available due to low frequency, but it remains a distinctive choice. The name's trajectory has been stable since the 1980s, with very few annual births. Its top states have no record, as the name appears too rarely to register statistically. Sharona is likely derived from Sharon, the biblical place name, with the addition of a feminine -a suffix, and may have been further popularized by the 1979 song 'My Sharona'. The name carries a melodic, two-syllable sound and offers several nickname options, including Shari and Rona, making it a unique but approachable choice for parents seeking an uncommon name with a modern feel.

Sharona appears to be a modern coinage, likely inspired by the name Sharon combined with the feminine suffix -a. Sharon itself is derived from the Hebrew שָׁרוֹן (Sharon), referring to the fertile coastal plain in Israel mentioned in the Bible. The name Sharona first appeared in U.S. records in 1957 and saw its peak usage in 1980, possibly influenced by the 1979 hit song 'My Sharona' by the Knack, though the name predates the song.