The name Shaniyah is a relatively modern Arabic name with roots dating back to the 7th century. It is derived from the Arabic word "shani," meaning "high" or "exalted," and the feminine suffix "-yah." The name is believed to have originated in the Middle East, particularly in regions where Arabic was the predominant language.

In its earliest forms, the name was spelled differently, such as "Shaniya" or "Shaneeyah," reflecting the variations in Arabic dialects across different regions. The name gained popularity during the Islamic Golden Age, a period of cultural, economic, and scientific flourishing in the Islamic world from the 8th to the 13th century.

While there are no direct references to the name Shaniyah in ancient texts or religious scriptures, its Arabic roots and meaning suggest a connection to the Islamic culture and traditions of the time. The name was likely used by Arab families, particularly those with ties to the Middle Eastern region.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Shaniyah dates back to the late 12th century, when an Arab scholar and poet named Shaniyah bint Al-Husayn Al-Andalusi was born in Seville, Spain, in 1170. She was known for her contributions to Arabic literature and poetry during the Almohad Caliphate.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Shaniyah. These include:

1. Shaniyah Al-Mughrabiyah (1231-1293), a renowned Moroccan Sufi mystic and scholar who wrote extensively on Islamic spirituality and philosophy.
2. Shaniyah Al-Misriyah (1265-1320), an Egyptian mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the study of celestial mechanics and the development of astronomical instruments.
3. Shaniyah Al-Baghdadi (1330-1405), an influential Arab physician and medical scholar from Baghdad, known for her work on infectious diseases and the study of herbal remedies.
4. Shaniyah Al-Dimashqiyah (1410-1480), a Syrian calligrapher and artist whose intricate calligraphic works adorned numerous mosques and palaces across the Middle East.
5. Shaniyah Al-Qahirah (1525-1595), an Egyptian poet and writer who gained recognition for her lyrical compositions and contributions to Arabic literature during the Ottoman Empire.

These historical figures, along with countless others who bore the name Shaniyah, have contributed to the rich cultural and intellectual heritage of the Arab world, preserving and advancing various fields of knowledge and artistic expression throughout the centuries.