Shani

girlSwahili, possibly from Arabic shaʾn

Shani is a Muslim girl name meaning “Wonder, marvel”.

MeaningWonder, marvel
GenderGirl
OriginSwahili, possibly from Arabic shaʾn
PronunciationSHAH-nee
Muslim name?Used by Muslims

Meaning and origin of Shani

In Swahili shani means 'a wonder' or 'something marvellous', probably from the Arabic shaʾn, 'matter, affair'. As a Swahili girl's name it suggests a child who is a marvel. The same spelling is also a separate Hebrew name and an Indian name, so its meaning depends on the family's background.

Is Shani a Muslim name?

Shani is a Swahili name used by some Muslim families in East Africa, meaning 'wonder'. It is not a classical Islamic name, and the same spelling is used in other cultures.

Where is the name Shani used?

Used in Tanzania and Kenya; also a Hebrew name in Israel.

Gifts with the name Shani

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More girl names like Shani

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Shani mean?

Shani means 'Wonder, marvel'. It comes from Swahili, possibly from Arabic shaʾn.

Is Shani a Muslim name?

Shani is a Swahili name used by some Muslim families in East Africa, meaning 'wonder'. It is not a classical Islamic name, and the same spelling is used in other cultures.

How do you pronounce Shani?

Shani is pronounced SHAH-nee.

Updated October 2026 · Researched by the Modern Muslim Names team. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.