Shaniqa is a modern feminine name that emerged in the United States during the late 20th century, particularly within African-American communities. Structurally, it combines the popular prefix “Sha-” with the French-derived adjective “unique,” yielding a polysyllabic form with primary stress on the second syllable. Pronounced shuh-NEE-kwah (/ʃəˈniːkwɑː/), Shaniqa saw modest use in the early 1990s, ranking 847th with ten births in 1991, 855th with ten births in 1992, and 844th with five births in 1994. Its low frequency on national charts underscores a deliberate appeal to parents seeking a distinct yet accessible phonetic profile. Associated with individuality and contemporary cultural expression, Shaniqa exemplifies a purposeful approach to name creation in modern American naming practices.