Shaka
Shaka is a boy's name of African origin.
Meaning
Intestinal beetle or intestinal parasite; symbolically interpreted through historical tradition.
Origin and history
Shaka is a name of Zulu origin, famously associated with Shaka Zulu, the founder of the Zulu Kingdom in the early 19th century. In the United States, it remains a rare given name primarily chosen for its strong historical and cultural resonance.
Popularity in the United States
697 babies in the United States have been named Shaka since 1880. It ranks #3979 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1867.
States where it is most popular
- NY (73.1 %)
- CA (26.9 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 0 |
| 1960-1970 | 0 |
| 1970-1980 | 170 |
| 1980-1990 | 181 |
| 1990-2000 | 176 |
| 2000-2010 | 39 |
| 2010-2019 | 71 |
| 2020-2029 | 60 |
Famous people named Shaka
- Shaka Smart: Basketball Coach
- Shaka Hislop: Footballer, Sports Analyst
Fun facts
- Shaka Zulu was a prominent leader who transformed the Zulu military and expanded the kingdom during the early 1800s.
- Legend holds that the name refers to an intestinal illness attributed to his mother during her pregnancy.