The name “Shania” has many meanings across many cultures and languages. My name stems from the Hebrew name “Johana” meaning ‘God is Graceful’ or ‘God is Merciful’ (Belly Ballot).  Stemming from Yiddish origins The name “Shania” also means ‘Beautiful’ (Name Meaning). Although these meanings are beautiful, I was purposely named after the famous Canadian country singer, Shania Twain. My mother loved listening to Shania Twain during her college years and was eager to name her first child after the singer. Me being her first child, I ended up with the name Shania. 

Shania Twain was a famous country singer in the 1990s and early 2000s. Her Original name was Eileen Regina Edwards but she changed her surname to Twain after her stepfather at an early age. By age 8, Shania was singing in clubs to help with her parent's income. She sang with a Top 40 cover band called Longshot during high school, she sang with a Top 40 cover band called Longshot. Producer Norro Wilson noticed her in 1991 and brought her to Nashville, Tennessee, to make her debut album. She changed her name to Shania, which is Ojibwe for "I'm on my way," in honor of her stepfather. Only 100,000 copies of Shania Twain's debut record were sold, but another producer, Robert John Lange, who was known for his work with Def Leppard, Bryan Adams, and Michael Bolton, noticed her talent. Twain and Lange started writing music together right away. Two years later, Twain issued The Woman in Me, her second album. More than 18 million copies were sold, and it was a commercial success (Tikkanen).  It received a Grammy Award for country album of the year. 

While learning about my name I’ve come to like its origins a lot. I associate Shania Twain with my name not only because I was named after her, but because she came from humble beginnings. Since I share the same name with someone successful in creating her career, I one day can be successful too. 

Works Cited 

“More info about the name Shania.” Belly Ballot. https://www.babynames.net/names/shania Accessed 30 Mar. 2023 

“What does the name Shania mean.” The Name Meaning. https://www.thenamemeaning.com/shania/ Accessed 30 Mar. 2023 

Tikkanen, Amy. “ Shania Twain - Canadian Musician.” Brittanica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Shania-Twain Accessed 29 Mar. 2023