Find out how popular the first name Shona has been for the last 48 years (from 1974 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shona by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Shona is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Shona.

The history of the first name Shona

The name Shona originates from the Shona people, an ethnic group native to Zimbabwe and neighboring regions of southern Africa. The Shona language is a Bantu language spoken by the Shona people, and the name is derived from this linguistic tradition.

In the Shona language, the word "shona" means "to be humbled" or "to show respect." The name is thought to have been given to children as a way of instilling values of humility and respect from an early age. It is an ancient name with roots dating back centuries, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Shona people.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Shona can be traced back to historical accounts and records from the 16th century, during the era of the Mutapa Empire, a powerful kingdom that ruled over parts of present-day Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

One of the earliest known historical figures to bear the name Shona was Shona Mupunzagutu, a renowned spiritual leader and advisor to the Mutapa rulers in the late 16th century. His influence and wisdom were widely respected throughout the kingdom.

In the 19th century, Shona Nehanda was a powerful female spiritual leader and revolutionary figure who played a crucial role in the First Chimurenga, a series of uprisings against British colonial rule in Zimbabwe. She is revered as a national heroine and symbol of resistance against oppression.

Another notable figure was Shona Nkomo, a prominent Zimbabwean politician and trade unionist who was a key figure in the country's struggle for independence from British rule in the 1960s and 1970s. He served as the Vice-President of Zimbabwe from 1987 to 1999.

In the literary realm, Shona Tsitsi Dangarembga is a celebrated Zimbabwean author and filmmaker. Her novel "Nervous Conditions," published in 1988, is considered a seminal work in African literature and has been widely acclaimed for its exploration of gender, race, and colonialism.

Shona Mashava was a renowned Zimbabwean sculptor who gained international recognition for his intricate stone carvings, which drew inspiration from the rich cultural traditions of the Shona people. His works are celebrated for their intricate details and symbolic representations of Shona mythology and spirituality.

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

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

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