Shawna is a unique and distinctive name of American origin. It is essentially a variant spelling of the classic Scottish name Shawn, which is a diminutive form of the Irish name Sean. Sean itself comes from the Irish word "sean" meaning "old" or "wise." Therefore, Shawna can be interpreted to mean "old" or "wise," although it is important to note that this interpretation may not be universally accepted as the original meaning.
The popularity of Shawna has varied over time and across different regions. In the United States, for instance, it was most popular during the 1970s and 1980s, peaking at its highest rank of #264 in 1986 according to Social Security records. Today, however, Shawna is less common but still considered a classic choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their daughters.
Despite its origins in Irish and Scottish names for males, Shawna has been primarily used as a female name in recent decades. This shift can be attributed to the increasing trend of unisex baby names, where traditionally male names are given to females and vice versa.
In popular culture, there have been several notable individuals named Shawna, including American singer-songwriter Shawanda "Shawnee" Ree and Canadian actress Shawna Waldron. However, it is essential not to associate the name solely with these individuals or their respective professions, as each person bearing this name has a unique identity and story of their own.
In conclusion, Shawna is an interesting and distinctive name with roots in Irish and Scottish naming traditions. While its meaning may vary depending on interpretation, it carries connotations of wisdom and age. As a name, Shawna has seen varying degrees of popularity over time but remains a classic choice for parents seeking something unique yet accessible for their daughters.
The name Shawna has been a part of the United States' naming landscape since at least 1970, with a total of 105 babies given this name up until 1990. The name's popularity seems to have fluctuated over these years, with no clear upward or downward trend.
In the early 1970s, Shawna was given to around 8 girls per year, with a slight dip in 1972 where only 5 births were recorded. However, it rebounded back up to 8 births each year from 1973 to 1979. This consistency in popularity might indicate that Shawna was considered a reliable and enduring choice during this time.
However, the trend began to shift in the late 1970s and early 1980s. After reaching a peak of 10 births in 1974, the number of babies named Shawna started to decline. From 1976 onwards, the annual count hovered around 8 births per year until it reached another peak of 8 births in 1982.
After this brief resurgence, the popularity of Shawna began to wane again. In the mid-1980s and early 1990s, the number of babies named Shawna dipped back down to around 5 births per year, with only one notable spike in 1984 where 7 births were recorded.
These statistics suggest that while Shawna was once a popular choice among parents, its popularity has since waned. However, with a total of 105 babies named Shawna over this 20-year period, it is clear that the name still held some appeal for parents during this time. It will be interesting to see if the name's popularity continues to fluctuate or if it eventually stabilizes in the future.
Sources:
* Social Security Administration data on popular baby names in the United States