The baby name Shandi has been on the decline since the 1980s (when it was most popular). Despite this trend, usage of the name more than doubled in 2004:
- 2006: 22 baby girls named Shandi
- 2005: 24 baby girls named Shandi
- 2004: 29 baby girls named Shandi
- 2003: 14 baby girls named Shandi
- 2002: 13 baby girls named Shandi
Why?
I think there are two reasons.
First, there’s aspiring model Shandi Sullivan.
Sullivan was a contestant on the second season of reality TV competition series America’s Next Top Model, which aired during the first three months of 2004. She lasted until the final episode, but ultimately came in third (behind Yoanna and Mercedes).
Second, there’s beauty queen Shandi Finnessey.
In April of 2004, Finnessey was crowned Miss USA in front of a television audience of about 13 million viewers. She was the first delegate from Missouri to win the title. Several weeks later, at the Miss Universe pageant in Ecuador, she placed first runner-up (behind Jennifer Hawkins of Australia).
Which of the two Shandis do you think had more of an influence on the name?
What are your thoughts on the name itself?
P.S. The delegate representing Israel at Miss Universe 2004 was none other than future Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot.
Sources:
- Shandi Finnessey – Wikipedia
- Miss Universe 2004 – Wikipedia
- Ariens, Chris. “Viewership for Miss USA Dropped 83% From Last Year’s Pageant.” Adweek 14 Jul. 2015.
- America’s Next Top Model season 2 – Wikipedia
- SSA
Images: Screenshots of the TV broadcast of the 53rd Miss Universe pageant and America’s Next Top Model
If people can be Brandi and Sherri, then Shandi seems like a foregone conclusion. But unlike brandy and sherry, I’ve never tried shandy. I’ve only read about it in UK novels.
Haha, I’m with you — I’ve heard about it, but never tried it.