The name Shanda has its origins in Sanskrit, an ancient language of the Indian subcontinent. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "shanti," which means peace or tranquility. The name is believed to have been in use since ancient times, likely since the Vedic period, which dates back to around 1500-500 BCE.

In Hindu mythology, the concept of "shanti" holds great significance, and it is often invoked in prayers and rituals for the attainment of inner peace and harmony. The name Shanda may have been given to children with the hope that they would embody the qualities of peace and serenity.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Shanda can be found in the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. In this epic, Shanda is mentioned as the name of a character who was a warrior and the son of the deity Indra.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Shanda. One of the most famous was Shanda Guruji (1857-1914), a renowned Indian spiritual leader and founder of the Radhasoami faith. Another notable figure was Shanda Thakur (1920-1999), an Indian classical vocalist and exponent of the Agra gharana.

In the realm of literature, Shanda Pandit (1871-1935) was a prominent Bengali writer and novelist, known for works such as "Shiter Aranya" (The Winter Forest) and "Chander Pahar" (The Mountain of the Moon).

In more recent times, Shanda Rhimen Mukherjee (1939-2017) was a respected Indian politician and member of the Indian National Congress party, serving as a member of the Lok Sabha (the lower house of the Indian Parliament) for several terms.

Shanda Remedio (born 1983) is a contemporary Indian actor and model who has appeared in various Bollywood films and television shows.

While the name Shanda has its roots in ancient Sanskrit and Hindu culture, it has transcended its origins and is now used across various regions and communities, particularly in India and among the Indian diaspora around the world.