Declining since 1994, #5,861 for boys today.
Popularity of Shadow since 1974
Babies named Shadow per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 23 | 0 |
| 1980s | 61 | 45 |
| 1990s | 200 | 258 |
| 2000s | 96 | 100 |
| 2010s | 66 | 120 |
| 2020s | 45 | 90 |
Meaning & origin
Shadow is a modern English word name that first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1987. It reached its peak popularity in 1993, ranking 5861st in 2025 with approximately 1 in 113,872 newborns receiving the name. Since 1994, usage has been declining steadily from its peak, with annual counts falling each year. The name has not been concentrated in any particular state or region, indicating a broad but sparse distribution. Shadow fits a broader trend of nature-inspired and mood-evoking names that emerged in the late 20th century, alongside names like Raven and Storm. While it remains uncommon, its straightforward meaning and association with the natural world give it a distinctive quality.
Shadow is a direct adoption of the English common noun 'shadow', from Old English 'sceadu'. As a given name, it emerged in the late 20th century, first recorded in the United States in 1987. Its use likely reflects a modern trend of word names drawn from nature, color, or abstract concepts.
Sibling names for Shadow
Names that share Shadow's style, for a brother or sister.
