Find out how popular the first name Mashanda has been for the last 11 years (from 1975 to 1985) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mashanda by gender

Based on the last 11 years of data, Mashanda is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1985, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Mashanda.

The history of the first name Mashanda

The name Mashanda is believed to have originated from the Bantu language family, which is spoken across several regions in Africa, particularly in the central and southern parts of the continent. The name is thought to have its roots in the Shona language, which is predominantly spoken in Zimbabwe.

Mashanda is derived from the combination of two Shona words: "mash" meaning "great" or "mighty," and "anda" meaning "love" or "affection." This suggests that the name carries a meaning along the lines of "great love" or "mighty affection." The name is often given to babies with the hope that they will grow to embody these positive qualities.

While the exact origin and early usage of the name are difficult to pinpoint, it is believed to have been in use among the Shona people for several centuries. The name is not found in any ancient texts or religious scriptures, as the Shona people primarily had an oral tradition for preserving their culture and history.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Mashanda was Mashanda Mukonoweshuro, a Shona chief who lived in the late 18th century in what is now Zimbabwe. He was known for his diplomatic skills and played a significant role in maintaining peace and stability in the region during a time of frequent conflicts between different tribes.

Another notable figure was Mashanda Ndlovu, a Zimbabwean politician and activist who fought against colonial rule in the early 20th century. She was born in 1894 and played a crucial role in organizing resistance efforts against the British colonial administration, advocating for the rights of indigenous Zimbabweans.

In the realm of literature, Mashanda Chitsungo was a celebrated Shona writer and poet who lived from 1925 to 1995. Her works, which often explored themes of identity, culture, and social issues, were influential in preserving and promoting the Shona language and heritage.

Moving to the world of sports, Mashanda Sithole was a Zimbabwean cricket player who represented her country in international competitions during the 1990s. She was a talented all-rounder and played a pivotal role in the development of women's cricket in Zimbabwe.

Finally, Mashanda Kanyerere was a renowned Shona sculptor who lived from 1930 to 2005. His stone carvings, which depicted various aspects of Shona culture and mythology, gained international recognition and were exhibited in numerous galleries and museums around the world.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have borne the name Mashanda throughout history. While the name may have originated from a specific region and language, it has transcended cultural boundaries and continues to be used across different parts of the world, carrying with it a rich heritage and meaning.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Mashanda was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Mashanda, please contact us.

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