Shona
SHOW-nuh
Shona is a girl’s name of Scottish origin, meaning “An Anglicized form of Seonaid, the Scottish Gaelic form of Joan, meaning 'God is gracious'.”. It currently ranks #14973 in the US, and peaked in popularity in 1970.
What Shona Means
“An Anglicized form of Seonaid, the Scottish Gaelic form of Joan, meaning 'God is gracious'.”
The Story of Shona
This name carries the grace of Scottish hills and a divine blessing, a gentle yet profound gift waiting for your daughter.
Shona is an Anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic Seonaid, itself derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' This name has a rich history in Scotland, carried through generations, and later embraced in English-speaking countries for its warm sound and spiritual undertones.
Whispering 'Shona' feels like offering a soft blessing. It’s a name that carries a sense of kindness and optimism, like the first rays of sun breaking over a Scottish glen. You imagine your daughter with a friendly spirit, her gracious nature touching everyone she meets. Writing it on a birth announcement feels like a promise of a life filled with warmth and good will, a gentle joy.
Nickname Watch
Kids pick up nicknames whether parents plan for it or not. Make sure you love the short forms too.
AI Features
Unlock Shona’s Full Story
AI consultant · Sibling matches · Cultural deep-dive · Compatibility scores
🔒 No credit card needed
Numerology
The Achiever
Powerful, determined, and success-oriented. Names at 8 project confidence and ambition.
Personality Traits
Peak Year
#160 in 1970
Total Births
2,414
First Recorded
1943
More Names Like Shona
View allIsla
Scottish
Meaning
Isla is a Scottish name derived from the name of the Scottish island of Islay. It is also the Spanish word for 'island.'
Paisley
Scottish
Meaning
Paisley is of Scottish origin, referring to the town of Paisley in Scotland, known for its distinctive teardrop-shaped textile pattern.
Allison
Scottish
Meaning
Allison is a Scottish name, a variant of Alice, meaning 'noble kind'. It is also sometimes considered a patronymic surname.
Explore related name groups
Save Shona to your favorites list