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Shani
Pronounced SHAH-nee /ΛΚΙ.ni/Medium
Meaning: Variously the Hebrew shani, 'scarlet; crimson', and the Swahili shani, 'marvelous; wondrous; an adventure'; used for both sexes; here for girls; routes layeredLow
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Shani comes variously from the Hebrew shani, 'scarlet; crimson', and the Swahili shani, 'marvelous; wondrous; an adventure' (routes layered, which we note). A lyrical, cultural, cross-cultural name, used for both sexes, here for girls (slug distinguished; nickname Shan).
In the U.S. it appears in Jewish and East African families. Rare, scarlet-or-marvelous at the root, and lyrical.
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Nicknames
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Shani mean?
Shani is variously Hebrew 'scarlet; crimson' and Swahili 'marvelous; wondrous'; the routes are layered.
How do you pronounce Shani?
It's said SHAH-nee /ΛΚΙ.ni/ β two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Shani a boy or girl name?
Shani is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.
How popular is Shani?
Shani is a rare name in the U.S.