Shanai is a unique and captivating name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the word "shanah," which means "year" in Hebrew. The name Shanai thus signifies the concept of a new beginning or renewal, much like the start of a new year.
The history of the name Shanai is not as widely documented as some other names, but it is believed to have been used by Jewish families for generations. It may have been initially used as a feminine form of the Hebrew name Shani, which also means "year."
In recent years, Shanai has gained popularity beyond its traditional Hebrew roots and has been adopted by people of various backgrounds. Today, it is recognized as a unisex name, with both boys and girls bearing this unique moniker.
Despite its growing popularity, Shanai remains relatively rare compared to more common names. This rarity can contribute to the allure and distinctiveness of the name, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name for their child.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Shanai has seen varying levels of popularity over several decades in the United States.
From 1974 to 1979, there were consistently low numbers of babies named Shanai, with only 7 births each year. However, starting from 1983, there was a notable increase in the number of babies named Shanai, reaching a peak of 27 births in 1991.
The popularity of the name continued to fluctuate throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. There were years with as many as 20 births (in 2004 and 2005) and others with fewer than 10 births. The most recent data from 2018 shows a further decrease in popularity, with only 5 babies named Shanai born that year.
Overall, based on the available statistics, it appears that the name Shanai has had periods of moderate popularity but has generally been relatively uncommon compared to other names.