| Pronunciation | /ʃəˈniːkwə/ shə-NEE-kwə |
|---|---|
| Gender | Female |
| Language(s) | English |
| Origin | |
| Meaning | None (invented) |
| Region of origin | United States (African-American community) |
| Other names | |
| Alternative spelling | Chanequa, Chineequa,[1] Shanequa, Shenequa, Sheniqua |
| Variant form(s) | Chanique, Shanica, Shanique, Shenique, Shinique |
| 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 is often given as the stereotypical example of a "ghetto name", i.e. a name likely to belong to low-income African-Americans.[3][4][5] It has been used in racism-related incidents to stereotype rude black women.[6][7]
- ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
awas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Shaniqua - Baby Name Meaning, Origin and Popularity". thebump.com. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
- ^ "New Doc 'Searching For Shaniqua: What's in a Name?' Will Tackle Impact Of Names (Fundraising) - Blavity". Blavity News & Entertainment. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
- ^ Szilagyi, Jessica (April 25, 2023). "Picture with Decorated Trash Bin Prompts Apology, Diversity Training in Jenkins County". The Georgia Virtue. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
- ^ "Blacks given 'ghetto' names in SoCal yearbook". NBC News. June 28, 2008. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
- ^ "Racist 'Shaniqua' postings show Salinas students stomping on Black doll". Los Angeles Times. August 24, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
- ^ "LI NAACP head chastises Levy for 'Shaniqua' remark". Newsday. January 25, 2010. Retrieved April 10, 2024.