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Shakur

♂ Boy

Pronounced shuh-KOOR /ʃəˈkʊər/High

Meaning: Grateful; thankful; from Arabic shakur (very grateful, most thankful) — Al-Shakur (The Most Grateful) is one of the 99 Names of AllahHigh

In 30 seconds: An Arabic name meaning 'grateful' or 'thankful' — Al-Shakur (The Most Grateful) is one of the 99 Names of Allah in Islam. Associated with rapper Tupac Shakur, whose name brought Shakur to global recognition.

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Origin HighArabic

MeaningGrateful; thankful; from Arabic shakur (very grateful, most thankful) — Al-Shakur (The Most Grateful) is one of the 99 Names of Allah

U.S. rank (2025)#3832 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births29 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1997

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,611

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Shakur derives from Arabic shakur (grateful, very thankful). Al-Shakur (The Most Grateful) is one of the 99 Names of Allah in Islam — a divine attribute of gratitude. The name has been used in Muslim communities for centuries.

Shakur is used in African American and Muslim communities. Its association with Tupac Shakur has made it widely recognized. Its 2024 ranking of #2386 for boys reflects steady tribute-name use.

Did you know? Tupac Amaru Shakur (1971-1996) helped make Shakur globally recognizable; the name itself comes from Arabic roots meaning grateful or thankful.

Overall data confidence 94%

Behind the Name — Shakur — Arabic etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Shakura

Nicknames

Shak

Famous Bearers

★Tupac Shakur (1971-1996)
influential American rapper, songwriter and actor
★Assata Shakur (1947-)
American Black Liberation Army activist and author
★Afeni Shakur (1947-2016)
American Black Panther activist and mother of Tupac Shakur

If you like Shakur…

Kareem— Arabic name (generous) with the same 99-Names divine attribute heritage

Rahim— Arabic name (merciful) with the same Islamic divine attribute status

Hakim— Arabic name (wise) with the same two-syllable Islamic dignity

Jaleel— Arabic name (majestic) with the same divine attribute character

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Shakur mean?

Shakur means 'grateful' or 'very thankful' in Arabic. Al-Shakur (The Most Grateful) is one of the 99 Names of Allah in Islam.

How do you pronounce Shakur?

It's said shuh-KOOR /ʃəˈkʊər/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Shakur a boy or girl name?

Shakur is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Shakur?

Shakur ranked #2386 for U.S. boys in 2024.