What does Shakinah mean and where does it come from?
Shakinah is a modern creation from the Hebrew term Shekhinah (שְׁכִינָה), which symbolizes the divine presence of God. It is predominantly used in Jewish cultures and among those who appreciate its spiritual significance. The name emphasizes a sense of sacredness and connection to the divine. The na
Cultural significance
Shakinah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of divine presence.
Peak popularity
Reached #6270 in 1996 — currently #1398 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Shakinah?
Shakinah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Shakinah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Shakinah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Shakinah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Shakinah Claire
French influence · crisp
Shakinah Jane
Literary · strong
Shakinah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Shakinah right now?
Holding steady — currently #1398 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1398 | 802 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1403 | 782 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1408 | 752 | ▲ up 11211 · +9300% births |
| 2010 | #12619 | 8 | ▲ up 4568 · +60% births |
| 2005 | #17187 | 5 | ▼ down 6013 · -37% births |
| 2000 | #11174 | 8 | ▼ down 1140 |
| 1995 | #10034 | 8 | ▼ down 2312 · -27% births |
| 1990 | #7722 | 11 | ▲ up 2554 · +83% births |
| 1985 | #10276 | 6 | — |
The story of Shakinah
Shakinah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1978. With 147 total births recorded, Shakinah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10276 in 1985 to #1398 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Shakinah in 1996:
Shakinah by decade
Shakinah peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 6 | |
| 1980s | 43 | |
| 1990s ★ | 53 | |
| 2000s | 37 | |
| 2010s | 8 | |
💎Shakinah has only 147 total recorded births since 1978 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Shakinah?
Common
ShaShakShakieShakyInah
Famous people named Shakinah
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Shakinah (historical community leader)
Shakinah led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Shakinah (historical figure)
Shakinah bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Shakinah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shakinah also consider these
Common questions about the name Shakinah
What does the name Shakinah mean?
Shakinah means "Divine presence" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Shakinah?
Shakinah 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 Shakinah?
Shakinah originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew 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 Shakinah?
Shakinah pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Shakinah a common or rare name?
Shakinah is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.