The name Shonte is of African origin, specifically from the Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin. It is a unisex name that means "to have mercy" in the Yoruba language.
The name Shonte has a rich history among the Yoruba people, who believe in a pantheon of deities known as the Orishas. One of these Orishas is called Oya, who is associated with wind, storms, and the powers of nature. Shonte is said to be one of the many names of Oya, reflecting her compassionate side.
In West African culture, names often have deep meaning and significance, and they are often chosen based on the qualities that the parents hope their child will possess. The name Shonte therefore embodies the qualities of mercy, compassion, and understanding.
Today, the name Shonte is recognized worldwide and is commonly used in many countries beyond Africa, including the United States, Canada, and Europe. Despite its growing popularity, it remains relatively rare compared to other names, making it a unique choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with deep meaning and history.
The name Shonte has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States. In the early 1970s, it experienced a slight increase with 5 births recorded in 1971 and then 6 births each year from 1973 to 1975. This trend continued with another peak of 12 births in 1976, followed by a decline to 9 births in 1977.
There was another brief spike in popularity between 1981 and 1985, with 5 births each year during this period. After a gap of several years, the name Shonte resurfaced with 9 births recorded in 1989.
The most recent data available shows that there were 6 births in 1996, indicating that while the name may not have maintained its earlier peak popularity, it continues to be chosen for newborns.
In total, over these years, there have been 80 babies named Shonte born in the United States. This demonstrates that while the name has had fluctuations in popularity, it remains a distinctive and recognizable choice for parents.