Shaun is a male given name of Irish origin and meaning. It is derived from the Irish surname "Seanan," which is in turn derived from the English name "John." The name John means "God is gracious" or "gift of God." Therefore, Shaun can also be interpreted as having the same meaning.
The name Shaun has been used as a given name since the mid-20th century. It gained popularity during the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in English-speaking countries such as Ireland, England, and the United States. Today, it is still commonly used and can be found in many parts of the world.
Shaun is often spelled with a single "n" at the end, but variants with two "ns" (e.g., Shawn) are also common. The name is typically pronounced /ʃɔːn/ in English-speaking countries, rhyming with "lawn."
Overall, Shaun is a strong and distinctive given name with Irish roots and a meaningful interpretation. Its popularity has waned somewhat since its peak in the late 20th century but remains a classic choice for parents looking for a traditional yet unique name for their baby boy.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Shaun:
In the United States, the name Shaun has seen a significant increase in popularity over the years, particularly during the mid-20th century. Here's a look at its usage based on available data:
* The name first started to appear with some regularity in the 1930s and 1940s, with an average of around 8-20 births per year.
* It began to gain traction in the 1950s, with a steady increase each year. By the end of this decade, there were around 73 births annually.
* The real boom happened in the 1960s and early 1970s:
+ In 1962, there were 387 babies named Shaun, marking a significant jump from previous years.
+ This number continued to rise, reaching 573 in 1964 and 851 in 1968.
+ The peak year was 1977, with an astonishing 2,578 births. This is the highest record for the name Shaun in the U.S.
* After this peak, the popularity of the name Shaun began to decline. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, it fell back down to around 1,000-2,000 births per year.
* In recent years, from 2006 onwards, the name has seen a resurgence in popularity:
+ There were 722 births in 2005,
+ 905 in 2006,
+ And even as recently as 2021, there were still 149 babies named Shaun.
Overall, based on available data from the Social Security Administration, it appears that a total of approximately 70,283 babies have been named Shaun in the United States since 1935. This name has proven to be enduringly popular over generations and continues to be chosen by parents today.