Holding steady.
Popularity of Shin since 1978
Babies named Shin per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1994, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Shin's real moment was 1978.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 0 | 7 |
| 1980s | 6 | 12 |
| 1990s | 6 | 37 |
| 2000s | 0 | 6 |
| 2010s | 0 | 35 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Shin is a concise and meaningful name with roots in both Korean and Japanese cultures. In Korean, it derives from the hanja 信 (shin) meaning 'trust' or 'belief', while in Japanese it can be written with kanji such as 新 (new), 真 (true), or 心 (heart). The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1978 and has remained rare, with no significant fluctuations in usage. Its peak year was also 1978, reflecting its recent introduction rather than a surge in popularity. The absence of a rank in the top 1000 indicates that fewer than five babies per year typically receive the name. Despite its low frequency, Shin carries cultural depth and simplicity, making it a distinctive choice for those seeking a short, cross-cultural name.
In Korean, Shin (신) is a Sino-Korean name from the hanja 信 meaning 'trust, belief'. It is also a common Korean surname. In Japanese, Shin (しん) can be written with various kanji such as 新 (new), 真 (true), or 心 (heart), and is used as a masculine given name or a component in compound names. The name gained some international recognition in the 20th century through cultural exchanges and media.
Sibling names for Shin
Names that share Shin's style, for a brother or sister.
