Shaniqua
Shaniqua: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ʃəˈniːkwə/
Meaning and origin of Shaniqua
Root meaning: “novelty”
- A female given name originating as a coinage, of African-American usage.
Etymology
Popularized in the 1970s among African Americans, possibly influenced by Swahili shani (“novelty”) or Welsh Siân (Joanna, "God is gracious"); compare other names starting with Shan- like Shanice, Shanika, Shanita.
How popular is Shaniqua?
Since 1880, 5,117 girls in the U.S. have been named Shaniqua. Its highest rank for girls was #313 in 1991. Fewer than 5 babies per sex were given the name in 2025, so it does not appear in that year's SSA data.
Names similar to Shaniqua
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
Sibling name ideas for Shaniqua
Names that peaked around the same time as Shaniqua and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Shaniqua FAQ
What does the name Shaniqua mean?
Shaniqua traces back to a root meaning "novelty". A female given name originating as a coinage, of African-American usage. Popularized in the 1970s among African Americans, possibly influenced by Swahili shani (“novelty”) or Welsh Siân (Joanna, "God is gracious"); compare other names starting with Shan- like Shanice, Shanika, Shanita.
How popular is the name Shaniqua?
Since 1880, 5,117 girls in the U.S. have been named Shaniqua. Its highest rank for girls was #313 in 1991. Fewer than 5 babies per sex were given the name in 2025, so it does not appear in that year's SSA data.
Is Shaniqua a boy or girl name?
Shaniqua is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 5,117 girls and 0 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.