Shalana is a unique and beautiful name of African origin, derived from the Yoruba people of Nigeria. The name Shalana means "calm and peaceful," reflecting serenity and tranquility. It is believed that this name was given to children born during times of peace and prosperity in ancient Yoruba communities.
The name Shalana has a rich history within the Yoruba culture, where it is considered a powerful and meaningful moniker. In some Yoruba traditions, it is believed that a person named Shalana would bring harmony and balance to their surroundings, embodying the calm and peaceful qualities associated with the name.
Shalana is not a particularly common name, but its rarity contributes to its uniqueness and charm. It is often found among African-American communities and has gained some recognition in popular culture, notably through characters such as Shalana Hunter, a fictional character from the television series "The Wire."
Overall, Shalana is an exquisite name with deep roots in African history and culture. Its meaning conveys a sense of serenity and peace, making it an ideal choice for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.
The name Shalana has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, it was quite rare, with only seven births recorded in 1969 and ten in 1970. However, its popularity began to grow in the mid-1970s, with a significant increase from seven births in 1974 to twenty-four in both 1975 and 1976.
This trend continued into the early 1980s, peaking at thirty births in 1983. Although there was a slight decline afterwards, Shalana remained relatively popular throughout the decade, with an average of around twenty-five births per year from 1985 to 1989.
However, the popularity of Shalana started to decrease significantly in the 1990s. There were only fourteen births recorded in 1992, and this number continued to fall, reaching single digits by the mid-1990s.
In recent years, Shalana has remained quite rare, with only five births recorded each year from 2007 to 2008. Overall, based on available data, there have been a total of 574 births in the United States since 1969. While its popularity has fluctuated over time, Shalana remains a distinctive and unique name choice for parents looking for something different.