Shakira Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: sha-KEE-rah //ʃəˈkiːrə//
Origin: Arabic; Spanish
Meaning: Arabic: grateful; Spanish: she who is grateful
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Shakira has its roots in the Arabic language, derived from the word "shakirah," which means "thankful" or "grateful." This etymology reflects a broader cultural significance, as gratitude is a valued virtue in many societies. The name was introduced into the Spanish-speaking world through the influence of Arabic culture in Spain, particularly during the period of Al-Andalus, which lasted from the 8th to the 15th centuries.
The integration of Arabic names into Spanish was facilitated by the historical interactions between the two cultures, leading to a rich tapestry of linguistic exchange. Shakira is also associated with the notable Colombian singer and songwriter Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, born in 1977, who has brought international attention to the name.
While the name itself does not appear in historical texts or religious scriptures like some other names, its cultural resonance has been shaped significantly by her global influence in music and philanthropy. The name has thus become emblematic of Latin American culture and artistry, particularly in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
In terms of symbolic associations, the name Shakira embodies themes of joy and appreciation, reflecting the positive connotations of its meaning. The name's melodic quality and rhythmic pronunciation contribute to its appeal in various cultural contexts.
Although diminutive forms of Shakira are not widely documented, the name's unique sound and meaning have allowed it to stand alone, maintaining its distinctiveness in a globalized world. Overall, Shakira represents a blend of linguistic heritage and cultural significance that transcends its Arabic origins.
Famous people named Shakira
In this section, you will find notable people named Shakira. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Shakira who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Shakira who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Shakira is a singer and songwriter best known for Hips Don't Lie, Whenever, Wherever, and Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Shakira, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Shakira. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Shakira was first seen in the United States in 1970.
Shakira has ranked as high as #812 nationally, which occurred in 2002, and has been most popular in New York, Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Georgia.
In the past 5 years the name Shakira has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Shakira is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Shakira was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Shakira (2020)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Shakira.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2022 | 17 |
| 2021 | 21 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2018 | 31 |
| 2017 | 23 |
| 2016 | 28 |
| 2015 | 56 |
| 2014 | 61 |
| 2013 | 60 |
| 2012 | 55 |
| 2011 | 82 |
| 2010 | 125 |
| 2009 | 153 |
| 2008 | 134 |
| 2007 | 244 |
| 2006 | 353 |
| 2005 | 220 |
| 2004 | 190 |
| 2003 | 337 |
| 2002 | 512 |
| 2001 | 269 |
| 2000 | 263 |
| 1999 | 256 |
| 1998 | 247 |
| 1997 | 382 |
| 1996 | 347 |
| 1995 | 263 |
| 1994 | 280 |
| 1993 | 260 |
| 1992 | 285 |
| 1991 | 257 |
| 1990 | 219 |
| 1989 | 181 |
| 1988 | 156 |
| 1987 | 184 |
| 1986 | 136 |
| 1985 | 133 |
| 1984 | 139 |
| 1983 | 147 |
| 1982 | 179 |
| 1981 | 116 |
| 1980 | 98 |
| 1979 | 98 |
| 1978 | 106 |
| 1977 | 120 |
| 1976 | 116 |
| 1975 | 62 |
| 1974 | 67 |
| 1973 | 74 |
| 1972 | 20 |
| 1971 | 7 |
| 1970 | 12 |