Shan is a name of Chinese origin, derived from the Chinese surname "山" which means "mountain". It is often used as a given name as well. In China, Shan is considered to be an auspicious name because it signifies stability and strength, much like the mountains it represents.
The character "山" has been in use for thousands of years and was one of the first Chinese characters created. It is believed that the character was created by observing the shape of a mountain range, with three horizontal lines representing the peaks and the vertical line representing the valley between them.
In addition to China, Shan is also used as a given name in other countries such as Vietnam, where it means "mountain" or "peaceful". In the United States, Shan has been steadily increasing in popularity since the 1970s, with peaks in usage occurring around the years 2000 and 2010.
Overall, Shan is a name with rich historical significance and cultural meaning. It has been passed down through generations and continues to be used today as a symbol of strength and stability. Whether used as a given name or surname, Shan carries with it a profound sense of pride and heritage for those who bear it.
The name Shan has seen a varied trend of popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 864 births recorded since 1944.
From 1944 to 1954, there was an average of around 10 births per year. However, starting from 1955, we see a significant increase in popularity, with over 23 births recorded that year and peaking at 45 births in 1970.
The peak years for the name Shan were between 1964 and 1972, with an average of around 30 births per year during this period. The name remained relatively popular throughout the 1970s, with an average of around 25 births per year, before starting to decline again in the late 1980s.
Since then, the popularity of the name Shan has continued to decrease. Between 1990 and 2016, there were only five years where more than five babies were named Shan each year. The most recent data from 2016 shows that there were just five births with the name Shan in the United States.
Overall, while Shan was once a popular choice for parents naming their newborn daughters, it appears to have fallen out of favor in recent decades. Despite this decline in popularity, it's still worth noting that over eight hundred babies born in the US since 1944 have been named Shan.