Shani
Fact sheet
- Name
- Shani
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 2
The name Shani is a gender-neutral first name in both Hebrew and English. It means 'the reddish one' or 'the scarlet one.' The origin of the name goes back to the ancient Hebrew word shânı̂y (שָׁנִי), which means 'red' and 'scarlet.'
What does the name Shani mean?
In Hebrew, Shani is a name used for both genders and means 'the reddish one' or 'the scarlet one.' The roots of the name lie in the ancient Hebrew shânı̂y (שָׁנִי), which means 'red' or 'scarlet.' In Swahili, however, Shani is a purely feminine name meaning 'the wonderful one,' 'the marvelous one,' or 'the pearl,' derived from the word that means 'wonder.' In Hinduism, Shani is a masculine name referring to the planet Saturn. It comes from the Sanskrit word Śani (शनि), which means 'the Saturn.' Additionally, the name is also borne by a celestial god in Hinduism. An alternative spelling is Shaney.
Where does the name Shani come from?
The name Shani has ancient Hebrew and Sanskrit roots and means 'the reddish one.' The etymology consists of the ancient Hebrew shânı̂y (שָׁנִי), which means 'red' or 'scarlet,' and the Sanskrit word Śani (शनि), which means 'the planet Saturn.' The name is common in both Hindu and East African cultures.
How do you pronounce Shani?
Sha-ni
Popularity
In Germany, Shani is among the common first names. In 2023, it ranked 3,880th in the list of the most popular female baby names. The best ranking was achieved in 2009 with 1,234th place. In the last ten years, Shani has been given as a first name about 40 times, placing it 4,061st in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 4,055th.
Nicknames & pet names
Shai / Shanini / Shasha
Famous people
- Shani Bloch (Israeli cyclist)
- Shani Boianjiu (American writer)
- Shani David (Israeli football player)
- Shani Davis (American speed skater)
- Shani Diluka (Monegasque pianist)
- Shani Grimmond (influencer)
- Shani Haider (musician from Pakistan)
- Shani Mootoo (artist from Ireland)
- Shani Rhys James (Australian painter)
- Shani Rigsbee (American singer)
- Shani Tarashaj (football player from Albania)
- Shani Wallis (British actress)
Frequently asked questions about the name Shani
What does the name Shani mean?
The name Shani has ancient Hebrew and Sanskrit roots. In Hebrew, it means 'the reddish one,' while in Swahili, it is interpreted as 'the wonderful one.'
For which gender is the name Shani suitable?
Shani is a girl's name, but it can also be used in its ancient Hebrew form for both genders.
What nicknames are common for Shani?
Popular nicknames for Shani include Shai, Shanini, and Shasha, all of which allow for a loving and familiar address.
How is the name Shani pronounced?
The name Shani is typically pronounced as 'Sha-ni,' with the 'Sh' having a soft sound.