Shawnese is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is believed to have been coined during the late 20th century, although its exact origins are unclear. The name Shawnese is often considered to be a feminine variant of the Irish name Sean, which means "God is gracious" or "graced by God." However, unlike the traditional spelling of the Irish name, which is typically spelled as "Shawn," Shawnese has an additional 'e' at the end, suggesting that it may have been created with the intention of giving it a more feminine feel.
One possible explanation for the creation of the name Shawnese is that it was inspired by the Native American tribe known as the Shawnee. The Shawnee were a powerful Native American nation who originally inhabited the Ohio River Valley but later moved to Missouri and Kansas. It is conceivable that someone with knowledge of this tribe chose to use their name as inspiration for creating a new given name.
Despite its unique spelling, Shawnese does not appear to have any specific meaning or symbolism beyond its connection to the Irish name Sean or the Shawnee tribe. However, like all names, it carries the weight of personal associations and experiences for those who bear it.
In terms of popularity, Shawnese is quite rare. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, there have been fewer than 5 girls named Shawnese born each year since records began in 1960. This makes it an unusual but memorable choice for a girl's name.
Overall, while its exact origins may be unclear, Shawnese is a distinctive and meaningful given name that draws inspiration from both Irish and Native American traditions. Its rarity ensures that those who bear the name stand out, while its connection to powerful historical figures lends it a sense of strength and heritage.
The statistics provided show the annual number of babies named Shawnese in the United States from 1971 to 2004. Throughout this period, there were years with a wide range of births carrying this name, from as few as 5 to as many as 17 in a single year.
It's interesting to note that the peak years for babies named Shawnese were between 1987 and 1989, during which time the number of births with this name increased significantly. In fact, the highest annual figure recorded was in 1989, with 17 births.
However, after 1990, there was a decline in the number of babies named Shawnese, with most years seeing fewer than 10 births each year. This downward trend continued until 2004, when only 6 babies were named Shawnese.
In total, over this 34-year period, there were 173 babies named Shawnese born in the United States. Despite fluctuations in popularity, these statistics demonstrate that the name Shawnese has been a recurring choice for parents during this timeframe.