What does Shakara mean and where does it come from?
Shakara has been used predominantly within African-American communities and gained visibility in the late 20th century. It may also be linked to various interpretations among different cultural contexts, often representing empowerment and resilience.
Cultural significance
Shakara has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in African-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a name that evokes strength and has ties to african-american culture, potentially derived from the swahili word for 'to .
Peak popularity
Reached #2046 in 1990 — currently #1690 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
African-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Shakara?
Shakara works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Shakara Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Shakara Rose
Floral · soft ending
Shakara Mae
Sweet · timeless
Shakara Claire
French influence · crisp
Shakara Jane
Literary · strong
Shakara Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Shakara right now?
Holding steady — currently #1690 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1690 | 510 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1695 | 490 | ▲ up 5 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #1700 | 460 | ▲ up 15864 · +9100% births |
| 2010 | #17564 | 5 | ▼ down 9037 · -62% births |
| 2005 | #8527 | 13 | ▼ down 3291 · -41% births |
| 2000 | #5236 | 22 | ▼ down 2559 · -52% births |
| 1995 | #2677 | 46 | ▼ down 631 · -30% births |
| 1990 | #2046 | 66 | ▲ up 1362 · +154% births |
| 1985 | #3408 | 26 | ▲ up 2869 · +136% births |
| 1980 | #6277 | 11 | — |
The story of Shakara
Shakara is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1976. With 896 total births recorded, Shakara remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6277 in 1980 to #1690 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Shakara in 1990:
Shakara by decade
Shakara peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 48 | |
| 1980s | 259 | |
| 1990s ★ | 417 | |
| 2000s | 167 | |
| 2010s | 5 | |
💎Shakara has only 896 total recorded births since 1976 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Shakara?
Common
ShaShakShakieShakyAra
Famous people named Shakara
S(
Shakara (Pan-African activist)
Shakara used this name in the movement for African cultural pride and independence.
S(
Shakara (modern African leader)
Shakara brought this name to international recognition in contemporary African politics and culture.
S(
Shakara (West African traditional leader)
Shakara bore this name in the royal traditions of West African kingdoms.
S(
Shakara (East African historical figure)
Shakara carried this name in the rich cultural heritage of East African civilization.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Shakara?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shakara also consider these
Common questions about the name Shakara
What does the name Shakara mean?
Shakara means "A name that evokes strength and has ties to African-American culture, potentially derived from the Swahili word for 'to " — a name rooted in African tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Shakara?
Shakara is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Shakara?
Shakara originates from African tradition. African names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Shakara?
Shakara pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar African heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Shakara a common or rare name?
Shakara is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.