Shaun is a name of Irish origin and it means "God is gracious." It has a strong connection to the Irish language, as it is derived from the Gaelic word "Seanan," which also means "God is gracious."
The name Shaun has a long history that dates back to medieval Ireland. It was traditionally used as a diminutive form of the name John, which itself comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning "God is gracious." Over time, Shaun evolved into an independent given name in its own right.
Shaun was not particularly common during the Middle Ages, but it began to gain popularity during the 19th century. Today, Shaun is still a popular name among Irish families, and it has also gained international recognition due to its simplicity and unique sound.
Overall, the name Shaun is associated with a rich history and cultural heritage that stretches back centuries. Its meaning of "God is gracious" makes it a meaningful choice for parents looking for a name that carries a significant message.
The name Shaun has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. It first appeared on the scene with six births each in 1945 and 1946, suggesting that it was quite uncommon at the time.
However, starting from 1949, there was a notable increase in the number of babies named Shaun, reaching a peak of 127 births in 1966. This indicates that during this period, the name gained significant traction and became more popular among parents.
From the late 1960s to the early 1980s, the popularity of the name Shaun continued to fluctuate but remained relatively consistent, with an average of around 50-70 births per year. This suggests that while it wasn't one of the most popular names, Shaun was still a recognized and chosen option for parents during this time.
However, starting from the mid-1980s, there was another significant drop in the popularity of the name Shaun. Between 1986 and 2005, the number of babies named Shaun averaged around only 30 births per year, indicating that it had once again become less common.
Despite this decline, the name Shaun continued to be chosen occasionally by parents. From 2006 onwards, there have been sporadic years with a handful of births, including peaks in 2007 (16 births), 2017 (8 births), and most recently, 2021 and 2022 (both with 9 births).
In total, from 1945 to the present day, there have been 3129 babies named Shaun in the United States. This demonstrates that while it may not have been consistently popular throughout the years, the name Shaun has maintained a steady presence among American parents, with periodic fluctuations in its popularity.