Shawna is a unique and distinctive female given name of American origin. It is believed to have emerged in the United States during the mid-20th century, likely as a variant spelling of the more traditional name Shawnee, which has Native American roots.
The name Shawna is thought to be derived from the Shawnee tribe, one of the most prominent Native American tribes that originally inhabited the Ohio River valley. The Shawnee people are known for their rich cultural heritage and their influential role in shaping the history of early America. Therefore, the name Shawna may carry a connection to this significant cultural background.
While there is no definitive meaning attributed to the name Shawna itself, its association with the Shawnee tribe suggests a possible interpretation tied to the tribe's history or values. Some sources suggest that Shawna could mean "southerner" or "from the south," reflecting the Shawnee people's migration patterns and original territories.
Throughout history, various notable individuals have borne the name Shawna, helping to popularize it further. For instance, Shawna McClendon is a prominent American soccer player, while Shawna Loughnane is an Irish hurdler who has represented her country at international competitions.
In summary, Shawna is a compelling female given name with roots in Native American culture and history. Its unique sound and distinctive spelling make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a memorable name for their daughter. Despite its origins, the name Shawna does not carry any specific meaning, allowing those who bear it to create their own personal identity and story.
The name Shawna has been a popular choice among parents in the United States for several decades, with its popularity rising significantly during the mid-20th century and peaking in the late 1960s to early 1970s. According to the statistics provided, there were only five births of girls named Shawna in 1941, but this number began to increase steadily over the next few years.
In 1954, there were a significant jump in the number of newborn girls given the name Shawna, with 77 births recorded that year. This marked the beginning of a period of rapid growth in popularity for the name. By 1963, there were already 458 babies named Shawna born in the US, and this number continued to rise throughout the rest of the decade.
The peak in popularity for the name Shawna occurred in 1970, with a total of 1,500 births recorded that year. This was followed by several more years of high popularity, with over 1,400 babies named Shawna born each year between 1971 and 1976.
However, like many names, Shawna's popularity began to decline after the mid-1970s. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, the number of newborn girls named Shawna had fallen significantly, with fewer than 1,200 births recorded each year.
In recent years, the name Shawna has continued to decline in popularity, with only 22 births recorded in 2023. Despite this decrease, it is still a recognizable and beloved name for many Americans who grew up during its heyday of popularity.
Overall, the statistics show that Shawna was a popular name choice among parents in the United States throughout much of the 20th century, particularly during the mid-1960s to early 1970s. While its popularity has since declined, it remains an enduring and memorable name for many people.