What does Shaundra mean and where does it come from?
Shaundra is a modern American variation of the name Sandra, derived from 'Alexandra.' It carries the meaning 'God is gracious.' This name gained popularity in the late 20th century as part of a trend for feminine names ending in '-dra.' It is especially popular among African American communities and
Cultural significance
Shaundra has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god is gracious.
Peak popularity
Reached #1951 in 1970 — currently #1133 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Shaundra?
Shaundra works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Shaundra Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Shaundra Rose
Floral · soft ending
Shaundra Mae
Sweet · timeless
Shaundra Claire
French influence · crisp
Shaundra Jane
Literary · strong
Shaundra Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Shaundra right now?
Holding steady — currently #1133 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1133 | 1,067 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1138 | 1,047 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1143 | 1,017 | ▲ up 14314 · +20240% births |
| 2000 | #15457 | 5 | ▼ down 9659 · -69% births |
| 1995 | #5798 | 16 | ▼ down 1195 · -24% births |
| 1990 | #4603 | 21 | ▼ down 1767 · -36% births |
| 1985 | #2836 | 33 | ▼ down 595 · -27% births |
| 1980 | #2241 | 45 | ▲ up 887 · +96% births |
| 1975 | #3128 | 23 | ▼ down 1177 · -48% births |
| 1970 | #1951 | 44 | ▲ up 2244 · +300% births |
| 1965 | #4195 | 11 | — |
The story of Shaundra
Shaundra is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1961. With 978 total births recorded, Shaundra remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4195 in 1965 to #1133 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Shaundra in 1970:
Shaundra by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 106 | |
| 1970s | 339 | |
| 1980s ★ | 384 | |
| 1990s | 132 | |
| 2000s | 17 | |
💎Shaundra has only 978 total recorded births since 1961 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Shaundra?
Common
ShaShauShaieShayUndra
What names sound and feel like Shaundra?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shaundra also consider these
Common questions about the name Shaundra
What does the name Shaundra mean?
Shaundra means "God is gracious" — a name rooted in American 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 Shaundra?
Shaundra 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 Shaundra?
Shaundra originates from American tradition. American 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 Shaundra?
Shaundra is a three-syllable name pronounced SH AA1 AH1 N D 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 Shaundra?
Shaundra pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.