Shauna is a beautiful and unique feminine given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the ancient Irish surname "O'Shaughnessy," which translates to "son of Sean." In Irish Gaelic, Shauna means "God is gracious."
The name Shauna has a rich history that dates back centuries in Ireland. It was traditionally used as a male given name until the 19th century when it began to be used more frequently for females. Today, Shauna is predominantly recognized as a feminine name and is often spelled with an "a" instead of the traditional "o."
Shauna is also associated with the Irish goddess Sioned, who was believed to have been transformed into a swan by the god Manannan Mac Lir. This association further emphasizes the grace and beauty that the name Shauna embodies.
In popular culture, Shauna has gained recognition through various characters in films, television shows, and literature. Some notable examples include Shauna Robinson from the American drama series "One Life to Live" and Shauna O'Halloran, a character from the Irish-Canadian sitcom "Being Erica."
Overall, Shauna is a captivating name that carries with it a strong Irish heritage and a rich history. Its meaning, "God is gracious," reflects the positive and uplifting qualities often associated with this beautiful name.
The statistics regarding the name Shauna in the United States between 1968 and 1987 show a fluctuating trend in its popularity. The highest year for newborn girls named Shauna was 1979, with 13 births recorded during that year. Conversely, there were only five births recorded for the name Shauna in 1977. Over this ten-year period, there were a total of fifty newborn girls given the name Shauna in the United States.