Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Shania

Shania is a female given name first popularized by country-rock musician Shania Twain in the mid-1990s. The Canadian born pop-star was actually born Eilleen Regina Edwards but received the Twain surname after her step-father, Jerry Twain, adopted her and her sisters. Twain eventually changed her first name to Shania in honor of Jerry’s Ojibwa (Native American) ancestry. She has always maintained that Shania means “on my way” in the Ojibwa language. This is widely considered folk etymology because no one seems to be able to support this claim. In any case, the name Shania and now Shaniya are largely believed to mean “on my way”. In this case, perception has become reality.

All About the Baby Name – Shania

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME SHANIA

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME SHANIA

The name Shania first appeared on the female naming charts in 1995 just as Shania Twain’s country music career in America got under way. In fact, the beautiful singer made quite an impact on her fans. The name debuted at position #444 right off the bat and again soared to #171 the following year. Shania (as a name, that is) stayed on top until 1999 but ever since then has seen diminishing returns. As an American female name, Shania is perfectly illustrative of one of those fast and furious (yet fleeting) pop-culture fads. They obviously loved her in Australia and New Zealand, too, because the name saw great success in those countries during the late 1990s, too. As a fading celebrity largely removed from the public-eye, Shania Twain has left her name to dangle in the lonesome wind. It’s nearing the very bottom of the charts and is coming dangerously close to falling off the Top 1000 list altogether. This little beauty is no longer “on her way”.

Quick Facts

ON SHANIA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

907

PRONUNCIATION:

shə-NIE-ə

SIMPLE MEANING:

On my way (folk etymology)

Characteristics

OF SHANIA

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Shania

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME SHANIA

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Shania

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME SHANIA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Shania


Popular Songs

ON SHANIA

Shania I'm Broke
a song by Cledus T. Judd

If Shania Was Mine
a song by Cledus T. Judd

Famous People

NAMED SHANIA

Shania Twain (country/pop musician)

Children of Famous People

NAMED SHANIA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Shania

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME SHANIA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Shania