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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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Origin HighArabic, American
MeaningFrom Arabic shakil, 'handsome, well-developed' — O'Neal-immortalized
U.S. rank (2024)#3956 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births28 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1993
Total births (all-time)≈ 5,726

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199319892024

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

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.

If you like Shaquille…

Jamal— the 'beauty' brother
Kareem— a fellow NBA-Arabic classic
Rashad— the companion virtue pick
Sami— another Arabic name
Sultan— another Arabic name

Browse the whole category: All Arabic names →  ·  All American names →  ·  All origins →

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.