Shakir is a name of Arabic origin, derived from the root verb "shakara," which means "to be grateful" or "to thank." The name Shakir is composed of two parts: "sha" meaning "to give thanks" and "kir" meaning "lord" or "master."
In Islamic tradition, Shakir is considered one of the 99 beautiful names of Allah (God), as mentioned in the Quran. It represents one aspect of God's divine attributes, emphasizing His gratitude towards humanity for their acts of worship and obedience.
The name Shakir has a rich history and has been used among Muslims worldwide for centuries. It gained popularity during the Islamic Golden Age when many scholars and leaders bore this name to honor Allah's attribute of being grateful. Some notable figures in history who carried this name include:
1. Abu Abdallah Muhammad ibn Shakir al-Qurashi, a prominent grammarian from the 8th century.
2. Abu Ishak Ibrahim ibn Shakir al-Marwazi, an early Muslim scholar and traditionist.
In contemporary times, Shakir remains a popular choice among Muslims for their children, both boys and girls. It is often used in conjunction with other names to create unique combinations such as Shakirul Islam (meaning "Shakir of Islam") or Shakeela Shakir (for girls).
Based on the provided statistics, the name Shakir has seen varying levels of popularity over the past five decades in the United States.
The name's peak popularity occurred in the mid-1990s, with a significant increase from 52 births in 1995 to a peak of 68 births in 1993. This high point was maintained in 1994 with 41 births. However, the popularity of the name has since fluctuated and generally decreased over time.
Between 1971 and 2023, there were a total of 1,184 babies named Shakir born in the United States. The most recent years (2020-2023) show a consistent popularity with around 15 to 20 births per year.
While the name's popularity has been variable over time, it remains a relatively uncommon name, with fewer than 30 babies named Shakir born in most years since the late 1990s. However, it is important to note that these statistics only represent a small portion of the overall birth population in the United States during this period.
Despite its varying popularity, the name Shakir has maintained a consistent presence in the United States over the past five decades. It is always encouraging to see diversity in baby names, as each one carries its own unique story and meaning for the families who choose them.