Shaw is an English surname and given name of Scottish origin, derived from the Old English word 'scaga', meaning "small wood". It was originally a occupational name for a person who lived in or worked at a small wood or clearing. The name Shaw can also be associated with places named Shaw, such as Shaw in Buckinghamshire, England, or Shaw in Lancashire, England.
The name Shaw has been used as both a surname and given name throughout history. Some notable individuals with the name include George Bernard Shaw, an Irish playwright known for his wit and satire, and Robert B. Shaw, who was the commanding officer of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War.
In literature, the name Shaw has been used as a character name in various works, such as in the novel "The Shawshank Redemption" by Stephen King, where the protagonist is named Andy Dufresne but is referred to by his fellow inmates as "Red", short for his last name Shaw. The name Shaw also appears in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, as one of the founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Overall, the name Shaw has a rich history and has been associated with various notable individuals throughout history, making it a unique and interesting choice for both a given name and surname.
The name Shaw experienced a gap in popularity from 1974 to 2005, with no recorded births during this period. However, it saw a resurgence starting in 2005 and has maintained consistent usage since then.