Meaning, origin, history
Shawn is a gender-neutral name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish surname Ó Séaghdha. The name is believed to have originated from an old Irish personal name that was associated with a legendary king called "Seaghdha" or "Shaughn." The meaning of Shawn is often attributed as "little hawk," although this interpretation may be more of a literary association rather than a direct translation.
The popularity of the name Shawn can be traced back to the 20th century, particularly in the United States. In the 1970s and 1980s, it was among the top 500 most popular boys' names in the country. While its popularity has since waned, Shawn remains a recognizable name with Irish roots.
Throughout history, there have been notable individuals named Shawn across various fields such as entertainment, sports, and politics. Some examples include American actor Shawn Patrick Baye, Canadian politician Shawn Murphy, and Australian rules footballer Shawn Burgoyne. Despite being a gender-neutral name, Shawn is more commonly associated with males in popular culture.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Shauwn since 1880
Total births
6
Total since 1880
Peak year
1977
6 births
in 1977
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years