Find out how popular the first name Shaniel has been for the last 18 years (from 1978 to 1995) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shaniel by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Shaniel is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1995, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Shaniel.

The history of the first name Shaniel

The name Shaniel has its roots in the ancient Aramaic language, which was prevalent in the Middle East during the first millennium BCE. The name is believed to have originated from the Aramaic word "shani'el," which translates to "God has heard" or "God is gracious." This religious connotation suggests that the name may have been given to children as a symbol of gratitude and blessing.

The earliest known record of the name Shaniel can be traced back to the 4th century BCE, where it was mentioned in an Aramaic inscription found in the ruins of the ancient city of Palmyra, located in modern-day Syria. This inscription is believed to have been a dedication to a deity or a commemoration of a significant event, further solidifying the name's religious undertones.

In the following centuries, the name Shaniel spread across the Middle East and the Mediterranean region, appearing in various historical records and religious texts. One notable figure bearing this name was Shaniel ben Abba, a renowned Jewish scholar who lived in the 3rd century CE in the city of Tiberias, located in present-day Israel. He was known for his extensive knowledge of the Torah and his contributions to the study of Jewish law.

During the Middle Ages, the name Shaniel gained popularity among Christian communities in the Levant region, which includes modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and parts of Turkey. One prominent figure from this era was Shaniel of Antioch, a Christian monk who lived in the 6th century CE and was known for his ascetic lifestyle and spiritual teachings.

As the centuries passed, the name Shaniel continued to be used across different cultures and regions, albeit with slight variations in spelling and pronunciation. One notable figure from the 17th century was Shaniel al-Halabi, a renowned Muslim scholar and poet from the city of Aleppo, located in present-day Syria. His works on Islamic theology and literature have had a lasting impact on Arabic literary traditions.

Another historical figure bearing the name Shaniel was Shaniel Mikhaylov, a Russian Orthodox priest who lived in the 19th century. He was known for his philanthropic efforts and his dedication to helping the less fortunate in his community.

While the name Shaniel has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, it has maintained its unique and distinctive character, reflecting its ancient roots and religious significance. The name continues to be used in various parts of the world, carrying with it a rich tapestry of cultural and historical 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 Shaniel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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