Shamarr
Primarily a boy's name of African American origin with 299 recorded births. Also given to 5 girls.
Meaning & Origin
Shamarr sits in the vintage zone of American naming: first recorded in 1978, peaking in 1999, with 299 total births across its history.
The sharp, distinct quality of its ending — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close — keeps the name compact and easy to pair with longer middle names or surnames.
Shamarr is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Shamarr is a boy's and girl's baby name of African American origin, an inventive elaboration with a strong, double-r ending that gives it rhythmic energy. The 'Sha-' prefix is one of the most productive in African American naming traditions, lending warmth and musicality.
Shamarr has the bold, confident sound of a name that commands attention — the emphatic ending making it feel complete and distinctive.
EtymologyShow more
Shamarr appeared in SSA records in 1978, placing it in the modern era of American naming — a period when parents increasingly began breaking from generational naming patterns, experimenting with spelling, and treating naming as a form of creative self-expression. Its African American roots may have been the starting point, adapted or respelled to fit contemporary American tastes.
With only 299 recorded births, Shamarr has not been widely studied in naming literature — its story belongs primarily to the families who chose it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Shamarr has 29+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1978.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 5 | #13723 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 42 | #9611 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 137 | #6439 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 75 | #6502 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 35 | #6081 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 5 | #6613 | — |
The Story of Shamarr
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 1999, Shamarr is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Shamarr are most likely born between 1989 and 2009.
How rare is Shamarr?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Shamarr is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1978, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 2000s with 137 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Shamarr by the numbers
- Would fill 6 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(29 years, 1978–2020)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5 | #13723 |
| 2014 | 6 | #11886 |
| 2013 | 7 | #10545 |
| 2012 | 8 | #9564 |
| 2011 | 13 | #6528 |
| 2010 | 8 | #9533 |
| 2009 | 12 | #7164 |
| 2008 | 16 | #5724 |
| 2007 | 6 | #12125 |
| 2006 | 9 | #8612 |
| 2005 | 16 | #5241 |
| 2004 | 14 | #5746 |
| 2003 | 19 | #4392 |
| 2002 | 17 | #4671 |
| 2001 | 16 | #4856 |
| 2000 | 12 | #5854 |
| 1999 | 19 | #3960 |
| 1998 | 17 | #4170 |
| 1997 | 7 | #7982 |
| 1996 | 13 | #4840 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Shamarr as a Girl's Name
While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Shamarr has also been given to 5 girls in the U.S. since 1988.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shamarr a boy's or girl's name?
When was Shamarr most popular?
How popular is the name Shamarr?
Can Shamarr be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1978–2020