Shena is a unique and captivating female name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "shen," which means "tooth." In Jewish tradition, Shena is associated with the story of Zipporah, Moses' wife, who circumcised their son using a heated stone when God tried to kill Moses because he had not circumcised his son. This act saved Moses' life and Zipporah was named Shena as a result.
The name Shena has also been associated with the ancient Semitic goddess Ishtar, who was known for her power over love, beauty, sex, and war. In some cultures, Shena is seen as a symbol of strength, courage, and wisdom.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Shena. One such figure is Shena Mackay, a Scottish novelist and short-story writer known for her works that explore themes of identity, memory, and loss. Another notable figure is Shena Simon, an Australian politician who served as the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives in Australia.
Today, Shena continues to be a distinctive and intriguing name choice for parents looking for something different for their daughter. It has a unique sound that sets it apart from more common names, while also having a rich history and meaningful origin behind it.
Statistics on the Name Shena in the United States
The name Shena has seen varying trends in popularity over the years in the United States. Here's a breakdown of its usage based on annual birth statistics:
From 1952 to 1970, the number of births with the name Shena ranged from a low of 10 in 1952 to a high of 89 in 1970. This period saw consistent growth in popularity, with a noticeable spike in 1963 (29 births) and another peak in 1970.
The 1970s brought continued fluctuation but at higher numbers: the lowest was 42 births in 1974, while the highest reached 81 in both 1977 and 1979. This decade marked a period of relative stability for the name Shena's popularity.
The trend continued into the early 1980s with varying numbers: from 65 births in 1980 to a peak of 198 births in 1984, followed by a decline down to 32 births in 1992. This period saw significant volatility but overall maintained an acceptable level of popularity.
From the mid-1990s onwards, the number of births with the name Shena dropped significantly: from 15 births in 1994 to just 5 births each year between 1999 and 2006. The popularity of the name continued to decline gradually, reaching a low of 6 births in both 2011 and 2018.
In total, from 1952 to 2018, there were 2356 births registered with the name Shena in the United States. Despite fluctuations over time, these statistics show that the name has maintained a consistent presence among baby names throughout this period.