Shashawna is a unique and beautiful name of African American origin. It is derived from the Swahili word "shasha," which means "noise" or "clatter." However, in this context, Shashawna does not refer to noise but rather implies being loud and vibrant, suggesting that the person bearing this name has a strong personality and presence.
The name Shashawna first gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s. It is believed to have been created by combining parts of other names or words, such as "Shaw" from the male name Shawn, and "Shauna," which means "help" or "god is good." This makes Shashawna a unisex name with a powerful meaning.
There are no significant historical figures associated with the name Shashawna. However, it has been used in popular culture on occasion. For example, there was a character named Shashawna in the 2006 film "Idlewild," starring OutKast's André Benjamin and Big Boi. This further contributed to the name's visibility and popularity.
Despite its unique sound and African American origin, Shashawna remains relatively uncommon compared to other names. Nevertheless, it is a charming and distinctive choice for parents looking for something special for their daughter or son.
The name Shashawna has been a relatively uncommon choice for newborns in the United States over the past four decades. Between 1977 and 1997, there were only six recorded instances of this name being given to baby girls. The peak years for this name were 1979, 1984, and 1986, with five births each year. There was also a notable increase in the number of babies named Shashawna in 1995 and 1997, with five births in each of those years as well.
Overall, over these thirty years, there were a total of thirty newborn girls given the name Shashawna across the United States. Despite its rarity, this name has been consistently chosen by parents for their daughters during this period, albeit at a very low frequency.