Shanika is a name of Indian origin, derived from the Sanskrit word "Shankara". It means "the one who has the grace of Lord Shiva", the Hindu god associated with destruction and rebirth.
The name Shanika has a rich history in Indian culture and mythology. According to Hindu beliefs, Lord Shiva is considered one of the three main gods, along with Vishnu and Brahma. He is known for his destructive powers that ultimately lead to creation and renewal.
In India, it is customary to choose names that have spiritual significance or are associated with positive attributes. Shanika falls into this category as it symbolizes the power and grace of Lord Shiva.
The name Shanika has also gained popularity in other parts of the world due to its unique sound and beautiful meaning. It has been used by parents who appreciate Indian culture and mythology, or simply those who find the name appealing.
In terms of usage, Shanika is typically given to girls but it can also be used as a unisex name. It is pronounced "sha-NEE-ka" and its spelling can vary slightly depending on the region and cultural context.
Overall, Shanika is a name that combines Indian cultural heritage with a beautiful meaning, making it a unique choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
The name Shanika has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past five decades in the United States. In the early 1970s, it started with a modest eight births in 1970, but quickly gained traction, reaching 188 births by 1977. The name's peak popularity was between 1975 and 1982, during which time there were over 250 births each year.
Interestingly, Shanika maintained a steady level of popularity throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, with an average of around 270 births per year. However, by the mid-1990s, the number of births started to decline significantly, dropping from 250 in 1992 to just 65 in 1997.
This downward trend continued into the new millennium, with fewer than 30 births each year between 2000 and 2011. Despite this decrease, there were still five births each year from 2013 to 2016, indicating that while Shanika may not be as popular as it once was, it is still a name that appears occasionally in the United States.
In total, over the past five decades, approximately 5590 babies have been named Shanika in the United States.