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Shaquille
♂ Boy
Pronounced shah-KEEL /ʃɑˈkil/High
Meaning: From Arabic shakil, 'handsome, well-developed' — O'Neal-immortalizedMedium
In 30 seconds: Handsome at scale: Shaquille means 'well-formed' — O'Neal formed it seven-foot-one and backboard-breaking. The Diesel's deed.
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MeaningFrom Arabic shakil, 'handsome, well-developed' — O'Neal-immortalized
U.S. rank (2025)#2927 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births43 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1993
Total births (all-time)≈ 5,769
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
Shaquille comes from Arabic shakil, 'handsome, shapely' — Shaquille O'Neal dunked it into the canon.
In the U.S. it appears honoring the Big Aristotle. Rare now, handsome at the root, and rim-rattling.
Did you know? Shaquille O'Neal's mother chose Arabic 'little one, handsome' — irony grew to 325 pounds of Hall of Fame; Shaq-sized forever.
Overall data confidence 82%
References — shakil/Shaquille O'Neal — etymology
Variations
ShakilShaquilShaq
Nicknames
Shaq
Famous Bearers
- ★Shaquille O'Neal (1972–present)American NBA Hall of Fame center.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Shaquille mean?
Shaquille is from Arabic shakil, 'handsome, well-formed'.
How do you pronounce Shaquille?
It's said shah-KEEL /ʃɑˈkil/ — two syllables, stress on the second.
Is Shaquille a boy or girl name?
Shaquille is a boy's name.
How popular is Shaquille?
Shaquille is a rare name in the U.S. today.