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.
The name Shaun experienced a significant rise in popularity from the 1950s onwards, with a notable peak in the late 1960s to early 1970s, coinciding with the baby boom era. However, it began to decline steadily from the mid-1970s, reaching its lowest point in recent years, as indicated by the totals for 2022 and 2023.