 The borough is named after Shickshinny Creek, which runs through the municipality and the surrounding area.According to the book "Indian Villages and Place Names in Pennsylvania" (by Dr. George P. Donehoo), the community's name likely means "Fine Stream" in a local Native American language.However, according to the Shickshinny Historical Society, the name "Shickshinny" means "Five Mountains" in a Native American language.