Shima first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Shima has been for the last 37 years (from 1975 to 2011) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Shima

A feminine Japanese name meaning "island" or "striped pattern".

Popularity of Shima by gender

Based on the last 37 years of data, Shima is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2011, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Shima.

Year Male Count Female Count
2011 0 5
2004 0 8
2003 0 8
2001 0 7
1999 0 6
1996 0 6
1994 0 7
1992 0 6
1991 0 7
1989 0 7
1988 0 6
1987 0 7
1983 0 5
1982 0 6
1980 0 5
1979 0 8
1975 0 5

The history of the first name Shima

The name Shima is believed to have originated from the Japanese language, with its roots tracing back to ancient times. It is thought to be derived from the word "shima," which means "island" or "stripe" in Japanese. This suggests that the name may have been initially associated with people living on islands or those involved in textile-related professions.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Shima can be found in the Kojiki, an ancient Japanese chronicle dating back to the 8th century AD. In this text, Shima is mentioned as the name of a mythological figure, suggesting the name's deep-rooted connection to Japanese culture and folklore.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Shima. One such person was Shima Sakon (1540-1616), a prominent Japanese samurai and military commander who served under the powerful Tokugawa Shogunate. His bravery and loyalty earned him a respected place in the annals of Japanese history.

Another individual of note was Shima Kosaku (1781-1860), a Japanese mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the field of celestial mechanics. His work on the calculation of planetary orbits and the development of mathematical theories earned him recognition both within Japan and abroad.

In the realm of literature, Shima Tetsuro (1901-1987) was a renowned Japanese novelist and poet. His works often explored themes of social justice and the human condition, earning him numerous literary awards and accolades during his lifetime.

Moving into the modern era, Shima Masahiko (1940-2022) was a highly regarded Japanese architect and designer. His innovative designs, which incorporated traditional Japanese elements with modern aesthetics, garnered international acclaim and left a lasting impact on the architectural landscape.

Lastly, Shima Iwao (1938-2020) was a prominent Japanese businessman and entrepreneur. As the founder of the successful outdoor apparel company, Goldwin Inc., he played a significant role in popularizing and promoting outdoor activities and clothing in Japan.

These individuals, spanning various fields and time periods, illustrate the rich history and diverse backgrounds associated with the name Shima. While its origins can be traced back to ancient Japan, the name has transcended cultural boundaries and left an indelible mark across various disciplines throughout the centuries.

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

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

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"Shima first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 1, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/shima-meaning-and-history/.

"Shima first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/shima-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 1 May, 2025

Shima first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/shima-meaning-and-history/.

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