Shaniqua
| Gender | Female |
|---|---|
| Language(s) | English |
| Origin | |
| Word/name | African-American |
| Meaning | Invented |
| Region of origin | United States |
| Other names | |
| Variant form(s) | Chineequa,[1] Sheniqua, Shanique |
| Related names | African-American names |
Shaniqua is a female given name in the English language, originating in the African-American community, gaining popularity beginning in the 1970s and peaking in the early 1990s.[1][2]
It often given as the prototypical example of a ghetto name, names likely to belong to low-income African-Americans.[3][4][5] It has been used in racism-related incidents to symbolize black women.[6][7]
2016 documentary[edit]
The name was the namesake of the 2016 documentary Searching for Shaniqua, directed by an Old Dominion University English language professor.[1] According to Vibe Magazine journalist Sheniqua Golding, the documentary was well-received, exploring the stereotypes surrounding this name often given to black children and the difficulties faced by those bearing the name. It won the 2016 HBO Best Documentary at Martha's Vineyard African-American Film Festival.[8]
People with the name Shaniqua or close variations[edit]
- Linda Miles (born 1978), American professional wrestler who went by this name mononymously
- Shaniqua Okwok, British actress
- Sheniqua Ferguson (born 1989), Bahamian sprinter
- Sheniqua Thomas (born 1998), Barbadian netball player
- Chamique Holdsclaw (born 1977), American WNBA player
See also[edit]
- Shaniqua (song), a hip-hop song bearing the name but unrelated to its connotation which achieved minor commercial success in the early 2000s.
References[edit]
- ^ a b c ""Your name's Shaniqua?" How a name can affect your life". The Virginian-Pilot. 2016-11-18. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
- ^ "Shaniqua - Baby Name Meaning, Origin and Popularity". www.thebump.com. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
- ^ "New Doc 'Searching For Shaniqua: What's in a Name?' Will Tackle Impact Of Names (Fundraising) - Blavity". Blavity News & Entertainment. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
- ^ Szilagyi, Jessica (2023-04-25). "Picture with Decorated Trash Bin Prompts Apology, Diversity Training in Jenkins County • The Georgia Virtue". The Georgia Virtue. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
- ^ "Blacks given 'ghetto' names in SoCal yearbook". NBC News. 2008-06-28. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
- ^ "Racist 'Shaniqua' postings show Salinas students stomping on Black doll". Los Angeles Times. 2021-08-24. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
- ^ "LI NAACP head chastises Levy for "Shaniqua" remark". Newsday. 2010-01-25. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
- ^ Golding, Shenequa (2016-09-17). "'Searching For Shaniqua' Examines Names And Stereotypes". VIBE.com. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
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