MallowbyNames

Shawneen

shaw-NEEN · Of uncertain origin; possibly a feminine form of Shawn or a modern coinage.

Peak popularity
1971
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Shawneen since 1959

Babies named Shawneen per year in U.S. Social Security records.

59141960198020002020Most births 1971Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1950s7
1960s37
1970s54
1980s25
1990s0
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Shawneen is a rare given name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1959 and reached its highest point of use in 1971, the peak year for this name. It has never ranked in the top 1,000 and remains a low-frequency choice, with a trajectory that has been stable in recent decades. The name's structure suggests a modern feminine elaboration of Shawn, a common Irish-derived name that became popular in the mid-20th century. Because no top states are associated with Shawneen, its use appears scattered. Parents drawn to Shawneen may appreciate its distinctive sound and the familiar nickname Shawn, which connects it to a well-established naming tradition.

Shawneen appears to be a modern feminine variant of Shawn, itself an Anglicization of the Irish Seán. However, it may also be a coinage combining the popular sound 'Shawn' with the feminine suffix '-een'. The name has never seen widespread use; its peak year was 1971, but it has remained rare.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Shawn, Neen

Variants: Shawna, Shauna, Shawnelle

Sibling names for Shawneen

Names that share Shawneen's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

S is for Shawneen, our favorite little girl.

S is for Shawneen…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Shawneen's letter becomes Shawneen's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Shawneen's book

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Shawneen mean?
The meaning is uncertain. It is likely a modern feminine variant of Shawn, which is an Anglicized form of the Irish name Seán, meaning 'God is gracious'.
How popular is the name Shawneen?
Shawneen has never been widely popular. It peaked in 1971, but its current rank is unavailable due to rarity, appearing in fewer than five births per year.
Is Shawneen a boy's or girl's name?
Shawneen is predominantly used as a girl's name.