Declining since 1998, #5,917 for girls today.
Popularity of Shivani since 1975
Babies named Shivani per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 30 |
| 1980s | 248 |
| 1990s | 1,013 |
| 2000s | 960 |
| 2010s | 473 |
| 2020s | 145 |
Meaning & origin
Shivani first entered U.S. birth records in 1975, and while it has never been a top-tier name nationally, it saw its greatest popularity in the late 1990s, reaching a peak rank of 591 in 1997. Since 1998, its usage has been steadily falling; by 2025 the name ranked 5,917, with roughly 1 in 80,363 girls receiving the name that year. California, with its large South Asian community, has consistently been the most common state for the name. The name's origin in Sanskrit and its strong religious ties to Hinduism give it a distinct cultural identity that resonates with many families of Indian heritage.
Shivani is derived from Sanskrit शिव (Shiva), meaning 'auspicious' or 'blessing,' ultimately from the root शिव (śiva). It is a feminine name that refers to the goddess Parvati, the consort of Shiva, and thus carries a deeply religious significance in Hinduism. The name has been in use in India for centuries, but it first appeared in U.S. Social Security records in 1975, reflecting immigration patterns and cultural diffusion.
Where Shivani is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shivi, Shivu, Ani
Sibling names for Shivani
Names that share Shivani's style, for a brother or sister.
