Shawn
Shawn is a boy name of Irish origin meaning “God is gracious”, pronounced SHAWN. It ranked #682 in the United States in 2025, given to 399 babies, and peaked at #27 in 1973. Common nicknames: Shawny, Shay.
How popular is Shawn in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Shawn mean, and where does it come from?
Shawn is one of the American spellings of Seán, the Irish form of John — Hebrew Yochanan, "God is gracious" — which came into Irish through the French Jean rather than directly. Sean, Shawn and Shaun divide the English-speaking world between them; Shawn is the most American. It reached 27th place in 1973 and has declined since, though the singer Shawn Mendes has kept it in front of a younger generation than the name's own.
How is Shawn used around the world?
Shawn is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Shawn?
Famous People Named Shawn
- Shawn Mendes — Canadian singer and songwriter
- Shawn Michaels — American professional wrestler
- Shawn Marion — American basketball player and NBA champion
Similar Names to Shawn
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Sibling Name Ideas for Shawn
Looking for names that pair well with Shawn? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Shawn mean?
Shawn is a boy name of Irish origin meaning "God is gracious." Shawn is one of the American spellings of Seán, the Irish form of John — Hebrew Yochanan, "God is gracious" — which came into Irish through the French Jean rather than directly. Sean, Shawn and Shaun divide the English-speaking world between them; Shawn is the most American.
How do you pronounce Shawn?
Shawn is pronounced SHAWN. Common variations include Sean, Shaun, Seán.
Is Shawn a boy name?
Yes, Shawn is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Shawny, Shay.