Find out how popular the first name Shaneka has been for the last 35 years (from 1974 to 2008) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shaneka by gender

Based on the last 35 years of data, Shaneka is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2008, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Shaneka.

The history of the first name Shaneka

The name Shaneka is thought to have originated from the African continent, with its roots tracing back to the Swahili language spoken in East Africa. The name Shaneka is believed to be a variant or derivative of the name Shanika, which itself is a feminine form of the name Shanik or Shani.

In Swahili, the word "shani" refers to the planet Saturn, which was considered an important celestial body in ancient African astrology and mythology. The name Shaneka, therefore, is presumed to have been bestowed upon girls born under the astrological influence of Saturn or during the period when Saturn was prominent in the night sky.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Shaneka can be traced back to the 19th century, particularly among communities in Kenya, Tanzania, and other parts of East Africa where Swahili was spoken. However, it is possible that the name existed in oral traditions and linguistic usage even before then.

One of the earliest known historical figures with the name Shaneka was Shaneka bint Juma, a renowned Swahili poet and scholar who lived in the late 19th century on the island of Zanzibar. Her poetry and writings were influential in preserving and promoting the Swahili language and culture during the colonial era.

Another notable figure was Shaneka Mwanyumba, a Tanzanian activist and politician who played a significant role in the country's independence movement in the mid-20th century. She was a member of the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) and worked alongside leaders like Julius Nyerere to advocate for self-governance and the end of British colonial rule.

In the realm of literature, Shaneka Mumin was a celebrated Kenyan author and playwright who wrote extensively about the experiences of women and marginalized communities in East Africa. Her works, published in the latter half of the 20th century, shed light on social and cultural issues and contributed to the growth of African literature.

In the field of sports, Shaneka Williams was a standout track and field athlete from Jamaica who excelled in sprinting events. She represented her country at multiple international competitions, including the Olympic Games, and won several medals throughout her career, which spanned from the late 1990s to the early 2000s.

Furthermore, Shaneka Hosein was a prominent figure in the arts and entertainment industry in South Africa during the late 20th century. She was a renowned dancer, choreographer, and actress who helped popularize traditional African dance forms and brought them to the mainstream stage.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have borne the name Shaneka throughout history, highlighting its rich cultural heritage and significance across various regions and disciplines.

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

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

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