Shona Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Shona originates from the Bantu languages, specifically linked to the Shona ethnic group in Zimbabwe. Its meaning reflects divine grace or mercy. The language has evolved from Proto-Bantu through various historical forms to modern usage. Shona carries traits of cultural significance and pride, with no direct biblical reference. The name has gained popularity in the 20th century, reflecting a strong cultural identity.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Shona"
Pronunciation
/ˈʃoʊnə/
Origin
Bantu
Etymology
The name Shona is derived from the Shona people, a group of Bantu-speaking ethnic groups in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The term is often associated with the Shona language, which is a major language spoken in Zimbabwe.
Meaning
The name Shona is often interpreted as 'God is gracious' or 'God is merciful'.
Language Evolution
Proto-Bantu, Old Shona, Modern Shona
Historical Usage
The name Shona has gained popularity primarily in Zimbabwe, especially during the 20th century as national identity and cultural pride grew among the Shona people.
Variants & Derivatives
Shonai, Shonah, Shon, Shonelle
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Shona is viewed positively in Zimbabwe and among the Shona diaspora, symbolizing cultural heritage and identity.
Famous People
Shona McCullagh - New Zealand choreographer, Shona Roberts - Scottish artist
📊 Shona Name Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Shona Name Visualizations
✨ Shona Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 160 peak births in 1970
Geographic Spread
Popular across 20 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 6 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Shona" - Complete Guide (2 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Shona". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 2 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Shona" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Shona"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Shona"
"Shona" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 9204th of 9204 | 5 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2715th of 12526 | 335 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1261st of 19264 | 1,427 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 3497th of 27321 | 457 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 9933rd of 35406 | 160 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 18924th of 30306 | 30 |
Regional Popularity of "Shona" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Shona" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
100.00% 2227th/2227 |
95.80% 2328th/2430 |
84.16% 2401st/2853 |
71.24% 1977th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
46.65% 1370th/2937 |
48.09% 1675th/3483 |
35.70% 1256th/3518 |
36.03% 1457th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
68.45% 3063rd/4475 |
90.91% 4722nd/5194 |
75.86% 4792nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Shona"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Shona" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Shona" in the United States
The name Shona is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Shona has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Shona' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 9204th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2715th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1261st out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3497th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 9933rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 18924th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Shona' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.