Shamese

“bringer of light”

Swahili origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1636US 2023

564Births / yr

→Stable

15All-time births

📅 Since 198300

How to pronounce Shamese

SHAH·MEE·SAY

/ˈʃɑ.ˈmiː.ˈseɪ/ · stress on SHAH · 3 syllables

“bringer of light”

Swahili origin · Girl name

What does Shamese mean and where does it come from?

Shamese is a name of Swahili and Arabic origin, primarily used in East Africa. In Swahili, it conveys the idea of someone who brings light, while in Arabic, it closely relates to radiance or brightness. The name is relatively uncommon and may be seen in regions with Swahili-speaking populations. Amo

Cultural significance

Shamese has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Swahili-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bringer of light.

Peak popularity

Reached #12006 in 1983 — currently #1636 in the US.

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How else can you spell Shamese?

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

Shamise

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Shamese?

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

Shamese Grace

How popular is Shamese right now?

Holding steady — currently #1636 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1990–2023#1636 · Top 1.2%

1990

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1636	564	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2022	#1641	544	▲ up 5 · +6% births
2021	#1646	514	▲ up 12670 · +10180% births
1990	#14316	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Shamese

Best Year2023Rank #1636

Peak Count564

Average Rank#4810

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1990 - 20234 years

The story of Shamese

Shamese is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1983. With 15 total births recorded, Shamese remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #14316 in 1990 to #1636 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Shamese in 1983:

Jennifer Jessica Amanda Ashley Sarah

💎Shamese has only 15 total recorded births since 1983 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Shamese?

Common

ShaShamShamieShamyEse

What names sound and feel like Shamese?

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

Sharese

American · A modern variant

American · variant of Chalice

Chanese

American · A variant of

Shynese

American · shining or bright

Shenese

American · English

Shinese

American · varied interpretations related

Common questions about the name Shamese

What does the name Shamese mean?

Shamese means "bringer of light" — a name rooted in Swahili 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 Shamese?

Shamese 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 Shamese?

Shamese originates from Swahili tradition. Swahili 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 Shamese?

Shamese is a three-syllable name pronounced SH AA1 M IY1 S EY1. 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 Shamese?

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