Holding steady.
Popularity of Shawntay since 1967
Babies named Shawntay per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 212 |
| 1980s | 268 |
| 1990s | 167 |
| 2000s | 43 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Shawntay is a modern American name that first entered the U.S. birth records in 1967, during a period when parents began creatively respelling and embellishing established names. The name peaked in 1978, likely influenced by the broader trend of names like Shauna and Shawna. Although its usage has since declined, Shawntay remains a distinctive choice that reflects the innovative naming practices of the late 20th century. Its stable trajectory suggests it has maintained a consistent but low level of use over the decades, without the revival seen in some vintage names.
Shawntay is a modern American coinage derived from the name Shawn, itself an anglicized form of the Irish Seán, which comes from the French Jean and ultimately from the Latin Johannes, meaning 'God is gracious.' The suffix '-tay' was added for stylistic flair, a common pattern in African American naming traditions of the late 20th century. The name emerged in the late 1960s and saw its peak popularity in 1978, reflecting a trend of creating distinctive, melodic variations of traditional names.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shawn, Tay, Shay
Sibling names for Shawntay
Names that share Shawntay's style, for a brother or sister.
