Shauntay is a unique and captivating female given name of American origin. It is derived from the combination of two elements: "Shaundra," which means "little" in Irish, and " Tay," short for the French name "Tatiana." The name Shauntay was popularized by African American author Alice Walker, who used it for a character in her 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "The Color Purple."
Shauntay has a melodic rhythm to it, with its four syllables flowing effortlessly. It starts with the strong and distinctive sound of "Shau," followed by the soft and playful "nt" in the middle, and finishes with the gentle, descending tone of "ay." This unique phonetics makes Shauntay a name that stands out and is easily recognizable.
The name Shauntay has gained popularity since its introduction in literature. While it is still relatively rare, it is considered a beautiful and exotic choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their daughter. It is often spelled with variations such as Shuntay or Shaunty, but the original spelling of Shauntay is by far the most common.
In terms of numerology, the name Shauntay corresponds to the number 5, which is associated with adventure, freedom, and independence. This connection may reflect the independent spirit and uniqueness that the name conveys.
Overall, Shauntay is a charming and uncommon female given name with a captivating origin story and distinctive phonetics. Its popularity has grown since its introduction in literature, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique and memorable name for their daughter.
The name Shauntay experienced significant popularity during the late 70s to early 80s, peaking with 32 births in 1985 and having a total of 439 recorded births from 1969 to 2006. However, its usage has since declined, with fewer than 10 births per year since 1990.