Shanequa is a unique and captivating female name of African American origin. Its meaning is not explicitly clear as it does not derive from any known African language or tradition. However, some sources suggest that Shanequa may be a variation of the name Shanika, which means "little warrior" in Swahili.
The name Shanequa gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, likely due to its phonetic similarity to other popular names at the time such as Shaniqua, Shaquanda, and Shatika. Despite its unclear origin, Shanequa has been embraced by many families who appreciate its distinctive sound and spelling.
In literature and popular culture, Shanequa has appeared in a few notable works. For example, it is the name of the protagonist in "Shanequa's Escape," a short story by Tananarive Due that explores themes of identity, race, and belonging. Additionally, rapper and singer Shanique "ShanBoogie" Murray uses her stage name Shanequa to pay homage to her Haitian heritage.
While the origin and meaning of Shanequa may remain unclear, its unique sound and cultural significance make it a fascinating choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughter.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births for the name Shanequa in the United States between 1971 and 2002. During this period, the name's popularity grew significantly, with a steady increase in the number of births from 5 in 1971 to a peak of 284 in 1991.
The name Shanequa reached its highest level of popularity in 1991, when it was given to 284 newborn babies in the United States. This indicates that there was a significant trend towards choosing this name for girls during this year.
However, after reaching its peak in 1991, the popularity of the name Shanequa began to decline. Between 1992 and 2002, the number of births with this name fell dramatically, from 232 in 1992 to just 8 in 2002.
Overall, between 1971 and 2002, a total of 1874 babies were named Shanequa at birth in the United States. This demonstrates that while the name was popular during certain periods, it ultimately had limited enduring popularity compared to other names.