Shakema

“a beautiful promise”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#826US 2023

1.4kBirths / yr

→Stable

434All-time births

📅 Since 197400

How to pronounce Shakema

SHAH·KEM·AH

/ˈʃɑ.ˈkɛm.ˈɑ/ · stress on SHAH · 3 syllables

“a beautiful promise”

American origin · Girl name

What does Shakema mean and where does it come from?

Shakema is primarily used in the United States and is particularly prevalent in African American communities. This name combines elements that suggest beauty and positive connotations, possibly indicating a hopeful outlook or a promise for the future. Its origin and cultural significance reflect the

Cultural significance

Shakema has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a beautiful promise.

Peak popularity

Reached #2712 in 1981 — currently #826 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Shakema?

Shakema works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Shakema Grace

How popular is Shakema right now?

Holding steady — currently #826 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2023#826 · Top 0.61%

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#826	1,374	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#831	1,354	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#836	1,324	▲ up 4741 · +7688% births
1995	#5577	17	▼ down 1086 · -23% births
1990	#4491	22	▼ down 656
1985	#3835	22	▲ up 666 · +29% births
1980	#4501	17	▲ up 655 · +42% births
1975	#5156	12	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Shakema

Best Year2023Rank #826

Peak Count1,374

Average Rank#3257

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1975 - 20238 years

The story of Shakema

Shakema is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1974. With 434 total births recorded, Shakema remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5156 in 1975 to #826 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Shakema in 1981:

Jennifer Jessica Amanda Sarah Melissa

Shakema by decade

Shakema peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	67
1980s ★	218
1990s	139
2000s	10

💎Shakema has only 434 total recorded births since 1974 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Shakema?

Common

ShaShakShakieShakyEma

What names sound and feel like Shakema?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shakema also consider these

American · Possibly derived from

Shikema

Japanese · Faithful, child of

Yakema

American · to express one’s

Lakema

American · A beloved name

Nakema

American · the one who

Common questions about the name Shakema

What does the name Shakema mean?

Shakema means "a beautiful promise" — a name rooted in American 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 Shakema?

Shakema is currently ranked #826 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 Shakema?

Shakema originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Shakema?

Shakema is a three-syllable name pronounced SH AA1 K EH1 M AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Shakema?

Shakema pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.