Shyonna is a unique and beautiful name of African American origin. It is believed to have been created by the author and activist Zora Neale Hurston in her novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God." In the book, Shyonna is the main character's given name, but she prefers to be called Janie.
The meaning of Shyonna is not explicitly stated in the novel or by its creator. However, some sources suggest that it may have been inspired by the word "shyness" due to the protagonist's initial bashfulness and later transformation into a confident woman. Others propose that it could be derived from the Hebrew name "Sharon," meaning "plain" or "open area."
Regardless of its exact origin and meaning, Shyonna has become a distinctive name in its own right. It gained popularity after the publication of Hurston's novel in 1937 and continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its uniqueness and connection to African American literature.
Shyonna is not a name with a long history or numerous variations like some other names, but it has left an indelible mark on popular culture through its association with Zora Neale Hurston's seminal work. Today, it remains a captivating choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Shyonna has seen a varied pattern of popularity in the United States over the past two decades. Between 1999 and 2016, there were a total of 63 babies named Shyonna born in the US. The name's popularity seemed to peak around the late 2000s to early 2010s, with the highest number of births recorded in 2008, at 13 babies. However, it's interesting to note that the years following this peak did not show a significant decline in the name's usage. Instead, the popularity remained relatively stable, with 6 to 7 births per year from 2009 onwards. This suggests that Shyonna may have established itself as a unique and distinctive name choice, appealing to parents who prefer less common names for their children. Despite its fluctuating popularity over time, the name Shyonna has maintained a consistent presence in the US naming landscape over this 17-year period.