Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Shawn is an Irish name meaning 'God is gracious', evolving from Seán through various forms including Jehan and Johannes. It has become popular in the 20th century and is perceived as trendy. While it has no biblical background, it is linked to the widely recognized name John. Notable figures with this name include Shawn Mendes and Shawn Ashmore.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ʃɔːn/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
Shawn is an anglicized form of the Irish name Seán, which itself is derived from the Old French name Jehan, a variant of the Latin name Johannes, meaning 'God is gracious'.
Meaning
God is gracious
Language Evolution
Seán, Jehan, Johannes, John
Historical Usage
The name Shawn gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a modern variation of the traditional name John.
Variants & Derivatives
Sean, Shane, Shon
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Shawn is viewed as a trendy and modern name, often associated with creativity and individuality.
Famous People
Shawn Mendes, Shawn Ashmore, Shawn Wayans
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 14,688 peak births in 1971
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Alaska
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (16 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 16 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2706th of 6773 | 145 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 215th of 7552 | 22,073 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 38th of 10718 | 146,025 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 62nd of 16616 | 90,580 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 167th of 24088 | 38,210 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 415th of 23106 | 9,101 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 4279th of 9204 | 80 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 419th of 12526 | 9,177 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 234th of 19264 | 19,861 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 905th of 27321 | 3,190 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 3868th of 35406 | 585 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 8692nd of 30306 | 147 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - |
73.11% 1131st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
8.62% 192nd/2227 |
6.01% 146th/2430 |
11.85% 338th/2853 |
6.02% 167th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
1.23% 36th/2937 |
1.06% 37th/3483 |
1.25% 44th/3518 |
0.89% 36th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
1.66% 61st/3685 |
1.21% 54th/4475 |
1.27% 66th/5194 |
1.31% 83rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
3.60% 165th/4582 |
2.15% 111th/5164 |
2.13% 156th/7313 |
3.00% 224th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
10.39% 414th/3984 |
7.42% 333rd/4487 |
6.17% 421st/6822 |
7.68% 482nd/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
15.49% 345th/2227 |
19.22% 467th/2430 |
18.72% 534th/2853 |
11.28% 313th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
5.96% 175th/2937 |
9.19% 320th/3483 |
6.79% 239th/3518 |
6.23% 252nd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
21.52% 793rd/3685 |
19.87% 889th/4475 |
17.62% 915th/5194 |
17.10% 1080th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
93.37% 4278th/4582 |
69.33% 3580th/5164 |
66.44% 4859th/7313 |
51.55% 3847th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Alaska across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. From 2020-2022, usage has been falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2706th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 215th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 38th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 62nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 167th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 415th out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4279th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 419th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 234th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 905th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3868th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 8692nd out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.