What does Shana mean and where does it come from?
Shana is of Hebrew origin, often associated with beauty and brightness. It is sometimes used in the context of the Jewish holidays, specifically Rosh Hashanah, meaning 'new year.' The name gained popularity in the United States in the late 20th century. Notable figures include Shana Feste, an Americ
Cultural significance
Shana has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of שָׁנָה - meaning 'to be beautiful'..
Peak popularity
Reached #175 in 1984 — currently #811 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Shana?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Shana?
Shana works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Shana Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Shana Rose
Floral · soft ending
Shana Mae
Sweet · timeless
Shana Claire
French influence · crisp
Shana Jane
Literary · strong
Shana Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Shana right now?
Holding steady — currently #811 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #811 | 1,389 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #816 | 1,369 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #821 | 1,339 | ▲ up 3817 · +4682% births |
| 2020 | #4638 | 28 | ▼ down 632 · -24% births |
| 2015 | #4006 | 37 | ▼ down 683 · -24% births |
| 2010 | #3323 | 49 | ▼ down 1602 · -57% births |
| 2005 | #1721 | 115 | ▼ down 640 · -40% births |
| 2000 | #1081 | 191 | ▼ down 472 · -48% births |
| 1995 | #609 | 367 | ▼ down 259 · -52% births |
| 1990 | #350 | 762 | ▼ down 161 · -46% births |
| 1985 | #189 | 1,423 | ▲ up 83 · +56% births |
| 1980 | #272 | 913 | ▼ down 32 · -10% births |
| 1975 | #240 | 1,019 | ▲ up 53 · +3% births |
| 1970 | #293 | 992 | ▲ up 293 · +274% births |
| 1965 | #586 | 265 | — |
The story of Shana
Shana entered American naming records in 1937 and has been in use for over 87 years. A total of 29,620 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3483 in 1940 to #811 in 2023. Shana is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Shana in 1984:
Shana by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1930s | 13 | |
| 1940s | 90 | |
| 1950s | 313 | |
| 1960s | 2,905 | |
| 1970s ★ | 10,281 | |
| 1980s | 10,007 | |
| 1990s | 4,431 | |
| 2000s | 1,187 | |
| 2010s | 365 | |
| 2020s | 28 | |
What are good nicknames for Shana?
Famous people named Shana
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Shana (historical figure)
Shana bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Shana (historical community leader)
Shana led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Shana?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shana also consider these
How is Shana written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Shana
What does the name Shana mean?
Shana means "שָׁנָה - Meaning 'to be beautiful'." — 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 Shana?
Shana is currently ranked #811 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Shana?
Shana 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.
How do you pronounce the name Shana?
Shana is a two-syllable name pronounced SH AE1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Shana a common or rare name?
Shana is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.