Shanina is a unique and enchanting name of Irish origin. Derived from the ancient Irish surname O'Séanaigh, which means "descendant of Seanán," Shanina translates to "little John" or "God is gracious." This beautiful name has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among parents seeking distinctive names for their daughters.
The history of Shanina can be traced back to its origins as a surname, with the first recorded instances appearing in Ireland during the Middle Ages. Over time, O'Séanaigh evolved into various forms, including Ó Séanáin and Ó Séathanaigh, reflecting the fluid nature of Irish nomenclature during this period.
While Shanina is considered unisex in some circles, it is more commonly associated with females today. Its meaning, "God is gracious," lends a sense of warmth and benevolence to those who bear this name, making it an appealing choice for parents looking to bestow their child with a meaningful moniker.
In terms of popularity, Shanina remains relatively rare compared to other names. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Shanina has not yet made it onto the list of top baby girl names since records began in 1950. However, its unique sound and Irish heritage make Shanina an attractive option for parents seeking a distinctive name with a rich history.
In conclusion, Shanina is a captivating Irish name that combines uniqueness with meaning and historical significance. Whether you're drawn to its Irish roots, its charming sound, or its benevolent connotations, Shanina is sure to make a memorable addition to any family tree.
The name Shanina has seen a varied pattern of usage in the United States over the past five decades. The name first appeared in the top 1000 names list in 1972, with 5 babies being named Shanina that year. This number remained steady at 5 births in 1973 before dropping to zero for two years.
However, the name saw a resurgence in popularity starting from 1976, with 6 births recorded that year. The following year, there were again 6 babies named Shanina. In 1978, this number increased slightly to 7 births. The most popular year for the name was 1980, when a total of 23 girls were named Shanina.
The popularity of the name fluctuated throughout the late eighties and nineties, with peaks in 1983 (22 births) and 1992 (10 births), and low points in 1984 (6 births), 1989-1991 (7 to 6 births respectively), and 1993 (5 births). After a gap of several years, the name re-emerged in the data in 1996 with another 8 births. This trend continued into the new millennium, with 8 babies named Shanina in the year 2000.
In total, over the period from 1972 to 2000, there were 216 babies born in the United States who were named Shanina. This demonstrates that while the name may not have been consistently popular, it has nevertheless maintained a steady presence in the US naming landscape over this period.