Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Shawna is a modern name derived from the Irish name Seán, meaning 'God is gracious'. It has evolved from Sean to become a popular feminine name in American English. It gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s. The name is often associated with a friendly and approachable image, and notable people with this name include auto racing driver Shawna Robinson and adult film actress Shawna Lenee.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈʃɔːnə/
Origin
American English
Etymology
Shawna is a modern feminine given name that is derived from the name Sean, which itself originates from the Irish name Seán, meaning 'God is gracious'.
Meaning
God is gracious
Language Evolution
Sean, Seán, Shawna
Historical Usage
Shawna gained popularity in the United States during the late 20th century, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, as part of a trend towards using Irish names.
Variants & Derivatives
Shawnee, Shauna, Shawnie
Modern Popularity & Image
Shawna is often perceived as a modern, trendy name with a friendly and approachable image.
Famous People
Shawna Robinson, American auto racing driver, Shawna Lenee, American adult film actress
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,090 peak births in 1977
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Wyoming
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (2 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 2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4950th of 10718 | 68 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 9536th of 16616 | 37 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 6317th of 9204 | 26 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 804th of 12526 | 2,903 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 219th of 19264 | 21,347 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 263rd of 27321 | 17,353 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1082nd of 35406 | 3,527 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 4558th of 30306 | 366 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
33.59% 748th/2227 |
47.37% 1151st/2430 |
37.26% 1063rd/2853 |
15.35% 426th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
6.81% 200th/2937 |
11.00% 383rd/3483 |
7.56% 266th/3518 |
3.07% 124th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
6.05% 223rd/3685 |
5.99% 268th/4475 |
5.66% 294th/5194 |
3.82% 241st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
18.51% 848th/4582 |
18.07% 933rd/5164 |
16.27% 1190th/7313 |
18.69% 1395th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
100.00% 4487th/4487 |
100.00% 6822nd/6822 |
- |
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 Wyoming across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4950th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 9536th out of 16616 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 6317th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 804th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 219th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 263rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1082nd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4558th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.