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Home › Baby Names Directory › Shaka

Shaka

♂ Boy

Pronounced SHAH-kah /ˈʃɑ.kɑ/Medium

Meaning: From Zulu — the name of Shaka, the great king who founded the Zulu nation; taken as 'a king/leader'; we note the historical king; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A king: Shaka is a Zulu name. Crisp, strong, and warm (said 'SHAH-kah').
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Origin LowZulu
MeaningFrom Zulu — the name of Shaka, the great king who founded the Zulu nation; taken as 'a king/leader'; we note the historical king; routes layered
U.S. rank (2024)#7168 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births12 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1987
Total births (all-time)≈ 692

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 198719702024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Shaka comes from Zulu — the name of Shaka kaSenzangakhona, the great warrior-king who founded the Zulu nation (taken as 'a king/leader'; the personal root is debated; we note the historical king). A crisp, strong name (said 'SHAH-kah').

In the U.S. it appears in African American and South African families. Rare, a-king at the root, and strong.

Did you know? Shaka is the name of the great king who founded the Zulu nation — taken as 'a king/leader' — a crisp, strong name (we note the historical king; said 'SHAH-kah').
Overall data confidence 42%
References — Shaka — historical king noted

Variations

ChakaShakka

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Shaka…

Jabari— a fellow strong African boys' name
Kwame— a companion African boys' name
Tariq— a sound-neighbor strong boys' name
Amari— another modern boys' name

Explore names like Shaka

By themeuncertainzulusouth-african
By meaningRoyal / NobleLeader

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Shaka mean?

Shaka is the name of the great king who founded the Zulu nation, taken as 'a king/leader'. We note the historical king; the personal root is debated.

How do you pronounce Shaka?

It's said SHAH-kah /ˈʃɑ.kɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Shaka a boy or girl name?

Shaka is a boy's name.

How popular is Shaka?

Shaka is a rare name in the U.S.

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