Rising since 1999, #5,608 for boys today.
Popularity of Shahan since 1981
Babies named Shahan per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2014, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Shahan's real moment was 2025.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 40 |
| 2000s | 75 |
| 2010s | 125 |
| 2020s | 76 |
Meaning & origin
Shahan is a distinctive and rare name in the United States, first recorded in 1981. Its most popular year to date was 2025, when it ranked 5,608th, with roughly 1 in 106,755 boys receiving the name. Over the past quarter-century, Shahan has experienced a rising trajectory, particularly since 1999, indicating growing but still limited use. The name is most frequently given in California, reflecting its appeal among families with Persian or Armenian heritage, where the name carries connotations of royalty and dignity. Despite its rarity, Shahan has maintained a steady presence, appealing to parents seeking a name that is both culturally meaningful and uncommon in English-speaking contexts.
Shahan is likely a variant or diminutive of Shah, a Persian title meaning 'king'. It is also found in Armenian as a given name, possibly derived from the Persian. The name has been in occasional use in English-speaking countries since the late 20th century, often chosen by families with Persian or Armenian heritage.
Where Shahan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shah
Variants: Shahin
Sibling names for Shahan
Names that share Shahan's style, for a brother or sister.
