Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Shawn

Shawn is an anglicized spelling of the Irish male name Seán which in turn comes from the English name John. The original French form (Jean) was brought to Ireland by way of the Norman Invasion in the 11th century and quickly adopted in the form of Seán, but also Seón and Seaghán. In Scotland, the name was transformed into Ian. Interestingly, in the south of Ireland, the name is pronounced “shawn” but the Northern Irish enunciation is more typically “Shane.” In Ireland, Sean is almost always in position #1 or #2 as the most commonly used boy’s name. It is also a popular name in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Shawn has been more typically used as an alternative to Sean in England, Canada and the United States. Primarily a male name, Shawn is sometimes used for females.

All About the Baby Name – Shawn

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME SHAWN

The Number 2 personality in numerology is all about cooperation and balance. It's the number of diplomats and mediators. They are not leaders, but strive rather for harmony in partnerships. These are the peacemakers. Equality and fairness are important in their dealings, and they are willing to share power and responsibility to achieve a harmonious outcome. This personality is calm and patient, waiting for things to evolve instead of pushing aggressively for an outcome. They are good-natured and easy-going, and care deeply on an emotional and spiritual plane. Twos appreciate beauty and nature and are intent on making the world a better place.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME SHAWN

The name Shawn has been on the U.S. naming charts for boys since 1947. The following year (in 1948) Shawn also appeared on the female naming charts. For little boys, Shawn quickly ascended the charts and by 1964 became a Top 100 favorite. The 1970s showed the greatest success for the male Shawn when it was a Top 50 favorite name. For girls, the name also performed well in the 1970s but would only go as high as #168 on the charts (1971). The female Shawn would eventually fall off the charts altogether in 1988 not yet to return. Therefore, Shawn has become more of a male name versus unisex at this point. After spending over 30 years on the Top 100 list of most commonly used boy names, Shawn ended his run in 1996 and has been showing backwards momentum ever since. Having experienced some gender confusion in its history, Shawn would definitely be considered a more feminine spelling of the traditional Sean. But this also gives it a kinder, gentler quality some parents would prefer for their little boys. Having been ultimately derived from the Greek name Iōannēs (which gave us John), Shawn means ‘God is gracious’ and we think this is one gracious name. African-Americans were likewise inspired, as Shawn produced a slew of names within their culture: Deshawn, Dashawn, Keshawn, Tyshawn and Zeshawn to name a few.

Quick Facts

ON SHAWN

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

1

RANKING POPULARITY:

308

PRONUNCIATION:

SHAWN

SIMPLE MEANING:

God is gracious

Characteristics

OF SHAWN

Cooperative

Considerate

Compassionate

Nurturing

Sensitive

Patient

Loving

Kind

Gracious

Balanced

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Shawn

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME SHAWN

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Shawn

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME SHAWN

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Shawn


Popular Songs

ON SHAWN

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Shawn


Famous People

NAMED SHAWN

Shawn Wayans (actor/producer)
Shawn Ashmore (actor)
Shawn Drover (drummer)
Shawn Springs (football player)
Shawn Colvin (singer/songwriter)
Shawn Johnson (gymnast)
Shawn Mullins (singer/songwriter)
Shawn Green (baseball player)
Shawn Marion (basketball player)
Shawn Hernandez (wrestler)
Shawn Kemp (basketball player)
Shawn Lane (guitarist)
Shawn Bradley (basketball player)
Shawn Estes (baseball player)
Shawn Horcoff (hockey player)
Shawn Camp (baseball player)
Shawn Andrews (football player)
Shawn Stockman (R&B singer)
Shawn Hill (baseball player)
Shawn Antaya (environmentalist)
Shawn Wayans (actor/producer)
Shawn Ashmore (actor)
Shawn Drover (drummer)
Shawn Springs (football player)
Shawn Colvin (singer/songwriter)
Shawn Johnson (gymnast)
Shawn Mullins (singer/songwriter)
Shawn Green (baseball player)
Shawn Marion (basketball player)
Shawn Hernandez (wrestler)
Shawn Kemp (basketball player)
Shawn Lane (guitarist)
Shawn Bradley (basketball player)
Shawn Estes (baseball player)
Shawn Horcoff (hockey player)
Shawn Camp (baseball player)
Shawn Andrews (football player)
Shawn Stockman (R&B singer)
Shawn Hill (baseball player)
Shawn Antaya (environmentalist)
Shawn Wayans (actor/producer)
Shawn Ashmore (actor)
Shawn Drover (drummer)
Shawn Springs (football player)
Shawn Colvin (singer/songwriter)
Shawn Johnson (gymnast)
Shawn Mullins (singer/songwriter)
Shawn Green (baseball player)
Shawn Marion (basketball player)
Shawn Hernandez (wrestler)
Shawn Kemp (basketball player)
Shawn Lane (guitarist)
Shawn Bradley (basketball player)
Shawn Estes (baseball player)
Shawn Horcoff (hockey player)
Shawn Camp (baseball player)
Shawn Andrews (football player)
Shawn Stockman (R&B singer)
Shawn Hill (baseball player)
Shawn Antaya (environmentalist)

Children of Famous People

NAMED SHAWN

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Shawn

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME SHAWN

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Shawn