All about the name

Shyonna

Female

« Shyonna is a unique African American name created by Zora Neale Hurston for her novel 'Their Eyes Were Watching God,' possibly inspired by 'shyness' or derived from the Hebrew name Sharon. »

#23650 over 10 years

Meaning, origin, history

Shyonna is a unique and beautiful name of African American origin. It is believed to have been created by the author and activist Zora Neale Hurston in her novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God." In the book, Shyonna is the main character's given name, but she prefers to be called Janie. The meaning of Shyonna is not explicitly stated in the novel or by its creator. However, some sources suggest that it may have been inspired by the word "shyness" due to the protagonist's initial bashfulness and later transformation into a confident woman. Others propose that it could be derived from the Hebrew name "Sharon," meaning "plain" or "open area." Regardless of its exact origin and meaning, Shyonna has become a distinctive name in its own right. It gained popularity after the publication of Hurston's novel in 1937 and continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its uniqueness and connection to African American literature. Shyonna is not a name with a long history or numerous variations like some other names, but it has left an indelible mark on popular culture through its association with Zora Neale Hurston's seminal work. Today, it remains a captivating choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughter.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Shyonna since 1880

Total births
63
Total since 1880
Peak year
2008
13 births
in 2016
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-100%
vs previous 5 years