Shona

♀ Girl

Pronounced SHOH-nuh /ˈʃoʊ.nə/Medium

Meaning: As a given name, an anglicization of Scottish Gaelic Seonag (or Irish Sine), feminine forms of John — 'God is gracious'. Quite separately, Shona is the name of a major people and language of Zimbabwe; the two are unrelated, and we note both honestly so families understand the association.Medium

In 30 seconds: Shona is an anglicized Scottish name from Seonag, feminine of John, 'God is gracious' (said 'SHOH-nuh'). Shona is also a Zimbabwean people and language, which we note honestly.

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Origin MediumScottish, Irish

MeaningAs a given name, an anglicization of Scottish Gaelic Seonag (or Irish Sine), feminine forms of John — 'God is gracious'. Quite separately, Shona is the name of a major people and language of Zimbabwe; the two are unrelated, and we note both honestly so families understand the association.

U.S. rank (2024)#14973 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1970

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,414

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

Shona as a given name is an anglicization of Scottish Gaelic Seonag — with Irish Sine, a feminine form of John, 'God is gracious'. It has long been used in Scotland and Ireland. Separately and unrelatedly, Shona is the name of a major people and language of Zimbabwe, spoken by millions. The two coincide only in spelling, and we note that honestly (said 'SHOH-nuh').

In the U.S. it appears only rarely for girls. Rare, Scottish-rooted, and double-referenced.

Did you know? Two quite separate things share this spelling: the Scottish Shona, an anglicization of Seonag (the Gaelic feminine of John), and the Shona people and language of Zimbabwe. They are unrelated, and we note both plainly so families choose knowingly.

Overall data confidence 55%

References — Shona — anglicization of Scottish Gaelic Seonag / Irish Sine, feminine of John; unrelated Shona people and language of Zimbabwe

Variations

SeonagShonaghSheona

Nicknames

ShoNona

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Shona…

Fiona— a like Scottish two-beat name

Sheena— another anglicized Gaelic form of John

Iona— a like Scottish island-flavoured pick

Maura— a like Irish-rooted choice

Explore names like Shona

By themeheritage irish scottish

By meaningGod / Divine Grace Gift / Blessing Truth

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Shona mean?

As a given name Shona anglicizes Scottish Gaelic Seonag, a feminine of John, 'God is gracious'. Shona is separately a Zimbabwean people and language, which we note.

How do you pronounce Shona?

It's said SHOH-nuh /ˈʃoʊ.nə/ — two beats, stress on the first.

Is Shona a boy or girl name?

Shona is a girl's name.

How popular is Shona?

Shona is a rare name for girls in the U.S., better known in Scotland.