Shakirah

“thankful, grateful”

Arabic origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1061US 2023

1.1kBirths / yr

→Stable

808All-time births

📅 Since 197600

How to pronounce Shakirah

SHAH·KEE·RAH

/ˈʃɑ.ˈkiː.ˈrɑ/ · stress on SHAH · 3 syllables

“thankful, grateful”

Arabic origin · Girl name

What does Shakirah mean and where does it come from?

Shakirah is derived from the Arabic word 'Shakir', meaning 'thankful' or 'grateful'. The name emphasizes gratitude and appreciation. It is prevalent in various Arabic-speaking countries and has been adopted by Arabic-speaking communities worldwide, including in the U.S. The female variant ‘Shakirah’

Cultural significance

Shakirah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of thankful, grateful.

Peak popularity

Reached #2861 in 1992 — currently #1061 in the US.

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How else can you spell Shakirah?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Shakeyra

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Shakirah?

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

Shakirah Grace

How popular is Shakirah right now?

Holding steady — currently #1061 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#1061 · Top 0.78%

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1061	1,139	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1066	1,119	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1071	1,089	▲ up 12778 · +15457% births
2010	#13849	7	▼ down 7748 · -65% births
2005	#6101	20	▼ down 1377 · -20% births
2000	#4724	25	▼ down 1260 · -22% births
1995	#3464	32	▲ up 335 · +14% births
1990	#3799	28	▲ up 1251 · +87% births
1985	#5050	15	▼ down 1838 · -44% births
1980	#3212	27	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Shakirah

Best Year2023Rank #1061

Peak Count1,139

Average Rank#4340

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1980 - 202310 years

The story of Shakirah

Shakirah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1976. With 808 total births recorded, Shakirah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3212 in 1980 to #1061 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Shakirah in 1992:

Ashley Jessica Amanda Brittany Sarah

Shakirah by decade

Shakirah peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	38
1980s	224
1990s ★	313
2000s	197
2010s	36

💎Shakirah has only 808 total recorded births since 1976 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Shakirah?

Common

ShaShakShakieShakyIrah

Famous people named Shakirah

Shakirah (historical Arab ruler)

Shakirah held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.

Shakirah (Quranic figure)

Shakirah appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.

Shakirah (Sufi mystic)

Shakirah used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.

Shakirah (Islamic scholar)

Shakirah bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.

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What names sound and feel like Shakirah?

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

Shahirah

Arabic · brilliant, shining

Arabic · Companion in evening

Sahirah

Arabic · a woman who

Common questions about the name Shakirah

What does the name Shakirah mean?

Shakirah means "thankful, grateful" — 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 Shakirah?

Shakirah 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 Shakirah?

Shakirah 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 Shakirah?

Shakirah is a three-syllable name pronounced SH AA1 K IY1 R 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 Shakirah?

Shakirah 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.