Find out how popular the first name Shamaiya has been for the last 17 years (from 1994 to 2010) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shamaiya by gender

Based on the last 17 years of data, Shamaiya is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2010, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Shamaiya.

The history of the first name Shamaiya

The name Shamaiya is of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew word "Shama," meaning "to hear" or "to listen." It is believed to have originated in ancient Israel during the biblical times.

In the Hebrew Bible, the name "Shama" appears as a verb, often used in the context of listening to God's commands and following His teachings. The addition of the feminine suffix "-ya" transforms the name into a feminine form, creating "Shamaiya."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Shamaiya can be found in the Book of Jeremiah, where it is mentioned as the name of a man from the tribe of Benjamin. However, it is unclear whether this is a direct reference to the feminine form of the name or a variation of a similar-sounding masculine name.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Shamaiya. One of the earliest recorded examples is Shamaiya ben Yehoshua (born around 1150 CE), a prominent Jewish scholar and philosopher from Spain. He was known for his contributions to the study of Jewish law and ethics.

Another notable figure was Shamaiya al-Ghazzali (born around 1058 CE), a renowned Islamic scholar and theologian from Persia. He was known for his works on Sufism and his influential book, "The Revival of the Religious Sciences."

In the 19th century, Shamaiya Levin (1825-1903) was a prominent Russian-Jewish publisher and activist. She played a significant role in promoting Jewish education and cultural preservation in Russia.

In the 20th century, Shamaiya Shafir (1928-2003) was an Israeli author and poet, known for her works exploring themes of identity, memory, and the human experience.

Additionally, Shamaiya Shebahoth (born in 1975) is a contemporary Nigerian author and activist, renowned for her writings on gender equality, human rights, and social justice.

While the name Shamaiya has its roots in ancient Hebrew culture, it has transcended linguistic and cultural boundaries, becoming a name embraced by various communities worldwide, each imbuing it with their own unique interpretations and significance.

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 Shamaiya was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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