What does Shakira mean and where does it come from?
Shakira is a name of Arabic origin that translates to 'thankful' or 'grateful'. It gained worldwide recognition due to the Colombian singer Shakira, whose music blends various genres. The name has gained popularity in Latin American countries and has become multi-cultural, often associated with them
Cultural significance
Shakira has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of thankful.
Peak popularity
Reached #534 in 2002 — currently #8411 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Shakira?
Shakira works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Shakira Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Shakira Rose
Floral · soft ending
Shakira Mae
Sweet · timeless
Shakira Claire
French influence · crisp
Shakira Jane
Literary · strong
Shakira Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Shakira right now?
Falling — down 1472 spots — currently #8411 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #8411 | 13 | ▼ down 1472 · -24% births |
| 2022 | #6939 | 17 | ▼ down 1023 · -19% births |
| 2021 | #5916 | 21 | ▼ down 888 · -16% births |
| 2020 | #5028 | 25 | ▼ down 1994 · -55% births |
| 2015 | #3034 | 56 | ▼ down 1345 · -55% births |
| 2010 | #1689 | 125 | ▼ down 607 · -43% births |
| 2005 | #1082 | 220 | ▼ down 237 · -16% births |
| 2000 | #845 | 263 | ▼ down 76 |
| 1995 | #769 | 263 | ▲ up 119 · +20% births |
| 1990 | #888 | 219 | ▲ up 207 · +65% births |
| 1985 | #1095 | 133 | ▲ up 210 · +36% births |
| 1980 | #1305 | 98 | ▲ up 297 · +58% births |
| 1975 | #1602 | 62 | ▲ up 3155 · +417% births |
| 1970 | #4757 | 12 | — |
The story of Shakira
Shakira is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1970. With 8,194 total births recorded, Shakira remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4757 in 1970, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8411 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Shakira in 2002:
Shakira by decade
Shakira peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 682 | |
| 1980s | 1,469 | |
| 1990s ★ | 2,796 | |
| 2000s | 2,675 | |
| 2010s | 547 | |
| 2020s | 25 | |
💎With 8,194 total births, Shakira is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Shakira?
Common
ShaShakShakieShakyIra
Famous people named Shakira
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Shakira (Arab poet)
Shakira carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
S(
Shakira (historical Arab ruler)
Shakira held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
S(
Shakira (Sufi mystic)
Shakira used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
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Shakira (Islamic scholar)
Shakira bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Shakira?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shakira also consider these
How is Shakira written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Shakira?
Common questions about the name Shakira
What does the name Shakira mean?
Shakira means "Thankful" — a name rooted in Arabic 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 Shakira?
Shakira is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Shakira?
Shakira originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic 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 Shakira?
Shakira is a three-syllable name pronounced SH AE2 K IY1 R AH0. 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 Shakira?
Shakira pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Arabic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.