Shammah

female

Origin

Hebrew origin, from the biblical name שַׁמָּה (Shammah), meaning 'he heard' or 'God has heard'. The name appears in the Old Testament as one of David's mighty men. It has historically been used in Jewish communities and Christian traditions, including references in biblical texts and early Christian writings. In Australia, the name is primarily adopted by families with biblical or historical Christian inclinations, and it retains its original pronunciation with subtle adaptations.

Meaning

Literal translation: 'He heard' or 'God has heard'. In Australian English contexts, it connotes a sense of faithfulness and divine attentiveness, often chosen for its spiritual significance and melodious sound.

Pronunciation

/ʃəˈmaː/ (shuh-MAH) - stress on the second syllable, with a clear long 'a' sound similar to 'father' in Australian English pronunciation.','(IPA: /ʃəˈmaː/)

Variants & Nicknames

Variants

  • Shama
  • Shammi
  • Shamima (a different but related name)

Nicknames

  • Sham
  • Maa

Name Days

  • 29 August (Feast of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, observed in some Christian denominations)
  • None widely observed in Australian secular or indigenous calendars.
  • No specific Māori or Aboriginal cultural events associated with this name.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with shammah:

  • Grace and Samuel
  • Ella and Isaac','Lily and Benjamin
  • Amelia and Elijah

Fun Facts

  • The name Shammah has appeared in Australian biblical bookshops and Christian communities' naming practices.
  • In Australian literature, the name has been used in religious-themed novels and children's stories, highlighting its biblical roots.
  • Though rare, some Australian Christian rock bands have used biblical names like Shammah in their titles or band members' pseudonyms.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name shammah:

  • Faithful
  • Loyal
  • Spiritual
  • Compassionate

Aesthetic Qualities

Elegant and lyrical, with a soft melodic quality that is visually appealing and easy to spell in Australian English script. Suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Geographical Distribution

More common in Christian communities across metropolitan and regional Australia, particularly among families with biblical or heritage motivations. Slightly more prevalent in New South Wales and Western Australia due to larger active Christian populations.

Numerological Significance

Name number 9, associated with humanitarianism, idealism, and compassionate leadership in numerology interpretations within New Age and cultural frameworks.

Astrological Connections

No specific zodiac association, but the number 9 in numerology suggests traits linked to universal love, spiritual awakening, and altruism, resonating with compassionate personality archetypes.

Historical Context

The name appears in the Bible, especially in the context of David's mighty men, reinforcing its righteous and valorous connotations. It has been adopted by Australian Christian denominations and community groups, often carried through generations as a symbol of faith.

Linguistic Adaptability

Remains largely unchanged across languages; primarily used in its original form in Australian multicultural and religious contexts. Variants appear mainly in transliterations in different cultural communities.

Famous People Named shammah

  • Shammah Aleman (Australian author)
  • Shammah Woods (fictional character in Australian children’s stories)
  • No widely recognised Australian celebrity with this name, maintaining its more traditional biblical associations.

Popularity in Australia

Year Count
2017 1