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.
It appears that the name Shaun experienced significant popularity from the mid-20th century until around the late 1970s to early 1980s, with a peak of 138 births recorded in 1970. However, its popularity has steadily declined since then, with only 6 births each year in recent years (2021 and 2022). In total, there have been 3129 births named Shaun from 1945 to the present day.