Find out how popular the first name Shaman has been for the last 32 years (from 1976 to 2007) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shaman by gender

Based on the last 32 years of data, Shaman is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2007, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Shaman.

The history of the first name Shaman

The name Shaman is derived from the Tungusic word "saman", which means "one who is excited, moved, raised." It is believed to have originated in Siberia, possibly among the Evenki people, who were nomadic reindeer herders and hunters.

The word "shaman" refers to a spiritual leader or healer who acts as an intermediary between the human and spirit worlds. Shamans were highly respected individuals in many indigenous cultures, known for their ability to induce trance-like states and communicate with spirits, ancestors, and the supernatural realm.

The concept of shamanism has been documented as early as the 17th century, with references found in the writings of European travelers and explorers who encountered these practices in Siberia and the Arctic regions. The term "shaman" itself first appeared in the writings of the Russian ethnographer Nikolai Mikhailovich Przhevalsky in the late 19th century.

One of the earliest recorded examples of a shaman is the legendary Tungus shaman known as Saman-Bek, who lived in the 17th century and was said to possess extraordinary powers, including the ability to control the weather and communicate with animals.

Throughout history, various prominent figures have been associated with shamanism, including the Evenki shaman Khangalasiyn Bilgee (1825-1915), who was renowned for his healing abilities and knowledge of traditional practices.

Another notable shaman was the Sami noaide (shaman) Issát Sámi (1842-1922), who was known for his expertise in sámi joik (traditional chanting) and his role as a spiritual leader among the Sami people of northern Scandinavia.

In the Americas, the Navajo Nation recognized many renowned medicine men and women, such as Hosteen Klah (1904-1995), who was revered for his mastery of traditional healing practices and his role in preserving Navajo culture and spirituality.

The Mapuche people of Chile and Argentina also had a rich tradition of shamanism, with revered shamans like Machi Juana Añunao (1900-1985), who played a significant role in preserving and transmitting the spiritual and cultural practices of her people.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have been associated with the name Shaman and the practices of shamanism throughout history, reflecting the deep cultural significance and respect accorded to these spiritual leaders across various indigenous communities around the world.

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

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

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