Shanda Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: SHAN-duh /ˈʃændə/
Origin: English; African American
Meaning: English: 'sandy'; African American: 'a form of the name Shandra'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Shanda has its roots in the Hebrew name "Shanda," which is believed to derive from the word "shandah," meaning "to be a gift" or "to be a blessing." This name has been influenced by various linguistic traditions over time, particularly through its adoption in English-speaking cultures. The transition into English likely occurred through the Jewish diaspora, where Hebrew names were adapted into various languages, including Yiddish and later into English, particularly in the 20th century as Jewish communities integrated into broader society.
Historically, the name Shanda does not have significant references in ancient texts or notable figures, but it has been associated with the cultural and religious significance of names in Jewish tradition, where names often carry deep meanings and are chosen for their auspicious qualities. The use of Shanda in literature and popular culture began to emerge more prominently in the late 20th century, reflecting a broader trend of embracing unique and meaningful names.
Culturally, Shanda resonates with themes of identity and heritage, often symbolizing the importance of names in conveying familial and cultural legacies. In some contexts, the name has been associated with the idea of being a source of joy or a cherished presence, aligning with its etymological roots.
While diminutive forms or variations of the name may exist, Shanda itself stands out for its distinctiveness and the rich connotations it carries from its origins.
Famous people named Shanda
Fictional characters named Shanda
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Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Shanda was first seen in the United States in 1946. Shanda has ranked as high as #718 nationally, which occurred in 1974, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Ohio, Georgia, and North Carolina. In the past 5 years the name Shanda has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Shanda (1996)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| IN | 5 | |
| TX | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1946 | 10 |
| 1948 | 9 |
| 1949 | 7 |
| 1950 | 11 |
| 1951 | 6 |
| 1952 | 9 |
| 1953 | 7 |
| 1954 | 22 |
| 1955 | 24 |
| 1956 | 26 |
| 1957 | 76 |
| 1958 | 48 |
| 1959 | 37 |
| 1960 | 48 |
| 1961 | 65 |
| 1962 | 64 |
| 1963 | 94 |
| 1964 | 98 |
| 1965 | 121 |
| 1966 | 116 |
| 1967 | 147 |
| 1968 | 136 |
| 1969 | 238 |
| 1970 | 274 |
| 1971 | 340 |
| 1972 | 305 |
| 1973 | 376 |
| 1974 | 387 |
| 1975 | 361 |
| 1976 | 356 |
| 1977 | 370 |
| 1978 | 373 |
| 1979 | 328 |
| 1980 | 303 |
| 1981 | 271 |
| 1982 | 236 |
| 1983 | 213 |
| 1984 | 213 |
| 1985 | 213 |
| 1986 | 218 |
| 1987 | 210 |
| 1988 | 159 |
| 1989 | 142 |
| 1990 | 123 |
| 1991 | 115 |
| 1992 | 98 |
| 1993 | 110 |
| 1994 | 97 |
| 1995 | 57 |
| 1996 | 47 |
| 1997 | 42 |
| 1998 | 53 |
| 1999 | 25 |
| 2000 | 35 |
| 2001 | 15 |
| 2002 | 19 |
| 2003 | 8 |
| 2004 | 23 |
| 2005 | 10 |
| 2006 | 15 |
| 2007 | 11 |
| 2008 | 9 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2011 | 7 |
| 2014 | 6 |