Rayshawn is a unique and distinctive male given name of African American origin. It is composed of two elements: "Ray", which means "ray of light" or "sun beam"; and "Shawn", which is a variant of the Irish surname "Sean", meaning "God is gracious". Therefore, the name Rayshawn can be interpreted as "God is gracious with a ray of light".
The name Rayshawn first gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s. It is often associated with African American culture and has been given to several notable individuals, including NFL players Rayshawn Bailey and Rayshawn Jenkins, as well as musician Rayshawn "Bizzy" Barnes from the hip-hop group OutKast.
Rayshawn is a strong and powerful name that carries a positive and uplifting meaning. It is an excellent choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child. While it may not be widely known outside of certain communities, its distinctive sound and significant meaning make it a memorable and impressive option.
The name Rayshawn has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past five decades in the United States. According to the statistics provided, there were only 5 births with the name Rayshawn in 1969, but this number began to increase steadily throughout the following years.
In the early 1970s, the number of newborns named Rayshawn doubled each year, from 14 births in 1971 to 29 births in 1975. This trend continued into the late 1970s and early 1980s, with a peak of 125 births in 1991.
However, after reaching its highest point in popularity during this period, the number of newborns named Rayshawn began to decline gradually. Between 1996 and 2007, there were consistently around 100-130 births each year with the name Rayshawn. After 2008, the popularity of the name continued to decrease, with less than 100 births recorded annually.
Despite this decline in recent years, the overall total number of newborns named Rayshawn in the United States is still significant, with a total of 3943 births over the past five decades. This demonstrates that while the popularity of the name may fluctuate over time, it remains a distinctive and recognizable choice for parents.
In conclusion, the name Rayshawn has experienced considerable variation in its popularity over the years in the United States. While it reached its peak in the early 1990s, it has since seen a steady decline in usage. Nevertheless, with thousands of individuals bearing this name, Rayshawn remains an established and recognizable choice among American parents.