Shauna is a unique and beautiful Irish feminine given name that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the ancient Irish language word "Siobhán," which means "God is gracious." The name Shauna has a rich history and cultural significance in Ireland.
The origin of the name Shauna can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Ireland when it was used as a short form of the name Siobhán. Siobhán, in turn, comes from the ancient Irish word "Scatha" meaning "shadow," with the suffix "-bhán" added on to signify fairness or brightness.
Shauna has been a popular choice for girls' names in Ireland for centuries and was often given to daughters of prominent families as it was seen as a prestigious name. Today, Shauna is still widely used in Ireland but has also gained international recognition due to its unique sound and beautiful meaning.
In addition to its Irish origins, the name Shauna also has some connection to Scottish culture. In Scotland, Shauna is sometimes associated with the Gaelic word "seona" which means "jewel," although this is not its primary origin.
Shauna is a charming name that rolls off the tongue and has a lovely musical quality to it. It is often shortened to Sha or Shau, but the full version of the name is typically preferred as it adds an extra touch of elegance and sophistication.
Overall, Shauna is a unique and captivating Irish feminine given name with a rich history and beautiful meaning. Its origins in ancient Irish language and culture give it a sense of timelessness and tradition that continues to make it a popular choice for parents today.
The name Shauna has seen a varied trend of popularity over the past nine decades in the United States, with peaks and valleys reflecting societal tastes and preferences.
In the late 1930s to mid-1940s, there was a steady increase in births with the name Shauna, starting from just five in 1938. The numbers climbed gradually over this period, reaching a high of 25 births in 1946.
The 1950s marked a significant turning point for the name Shauna's popularity. After remaining relatively stable throughout the late 1940s, there was an abrupt spike to 59 births in 1948, followed by another sharp increase to 149 births in 1949. This surge in popularity continued into the early 1950s, peaking at 290 births in 1955.
However, this upward trend did not last long. From the mid-1950s onwards, there was a consistent decline in the number of babies named Shauna each year. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, the numbers had dropped significantly, reaching just over half of the peak level seen in 1955.
The 1970s saw another wave of popularity for the name Shauna, with a high of 1267 births recorded in 1978. This trend continued into the early 1980s, although it was short-lived, and by the mid-1980s, the numbers had begun to decrease once again.
Over the next two decades, the popularity of the name Shauna oscillated between peaks and troughs, ranging from a low of around 300 births per year in the late 1980s to highs exceeding 900 births in some years during the early 1990s. However, overall, there was a general downward trend throughout this period.
In the new millennium, the name Shauna's popularity has continued to decline steadily. From 2000 onwards, the number of annual births with the name Shauna has fallen consistently, reaching just nine births in 2022. This decreasing trend suggests that the name Shauna may have lost some of its appeal among parents choosing names for their daughters.
However, despite this recent decline, it is important to note that Shauna still appears on birth records each year, indicating that there are families who continue to choose this name for their children.
In conclusion, the name Shauna has experienced a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past nine decades. While it once enjoyed periods of significant popularity, particularly during the mid-20th century and again in the late 1970s, its appeal has since waned. Nonetheless, the ongoing presence of Shauna on annual birth records suggests that this name continues to hold some attraction for a select group of parents choosing names for their daughters.