All about the name

Shawnette

Female

« Shawnette is a unique female given name of African American origin, derived from the Irish surname "O'Shaunagh," meaning peaceful or tranquil. »

#8882 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Shawnette is a unique and distinctive female given name of African American origin. It is derived from the popular Irish surname "O'Shaunagh," which means "peaceful" or "tranquil." The name gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, as many African Americans sought to reclaim and celebrate their cultural heritage by choosing names with African roots. Despite its Irish origin, Shawnette is often considered a unisex name, as it can be spelled with either an "e" or an "o" at the end. However, it is more commonly used for females in the United States. The name has been relatively popular over the years, peaking in popularity during the 1980s and 1990s. There are no notable historical figures named Shawnette, as the name is quite uncommon outside of African American communities. However, it has been used by some celebrities and public figures, such as American basketball player Shawnette Burrough (born Shawnette Burrough-McCollum), who played in the WNBA from 1997 to 2008. In literature and popular culture, Shawnette is not a particularly common name. However, it has appeared in some works of fiction and media, such as in the television series "The Wire," where a character named Shawnette Felton makes an appearance. Overall, while Shawnette may not be one of the most well-known names, it remains a unique and meaningful choice for parents looking to give their daughter a name with African American roots and Irish heritage.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Shawnette since 1880

Total births
750
Total since 1880
Peak year
1976
56 births
in 2001
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years