Meaning, origin, history
Shawn is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish surname Ó Seaghdha. The surname itself comes from the Irish word "seachd" which means "peaceful". Therefore, Shawn means "peaceful" or "happy".
The name Shawn has been popular in English-speaking countries for several decades now. It was particularly common in the 1970s and 1980s, reaching its peak popularity in the United States during those years.
Historically, Shawn has been used as both a given name and a surname. As a given name, it is typically associated with males. Some notable individuals named Shawn include Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes, American actor Shawn Ashmore, and American basketball player Shawn Marion.
Despite its Irish origins, the name Shawn has gained popularity worldwide, transcending cultural boundaries. It is often used as a unisex name in some countries, although it remains more commonly associated with males. Overall, Shawn is a strong and distinctive name that carries a positive connotation due to its meaning of "peaceful" or "happy".
In numbers
Popularity of the name Shawn since 1880
Total births
305,679
Total since 1880
Peak year
1971
12,825 births
in 2023
436
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-24%
↘
vs previous 5 years