Declining since 1990, #8,243 for boys today.
Popularity of Shon since 1950
Babies named Shon per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 28 | 87 |
| 1960s | 169 | 940 |
| 1970s | 138 | 2,051 |
| 1980s | 11 | 691 |
| 1990s | 12 | 685 |
| 2000s | 0 | 424 |
| 2010s | 0 | 209 |
| 2020s | 0 | 85 |
Meaning & origin
Shon is an anglicized spelling of the classic Irish name Seán, itself a form of John. While never highly common, the name reached its peak popularity in 1971, when it was given to the most boys in a single year. Since 1990, its usage has steadily declined, making it a relatively rare choice today. In the most recent year (2025), Shon ranked 8,243 in the United States, with about 1 in every 189,786 newborn boys receiving the name. Its trajectory reflects a broader shift away from traditional anglicized spellings in favor of original Gaelic forms like Seán.
Shon is a phonetic variant of the Irish name Seán, which is itself a Gaelic form of John. John derives from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' While Seán remains the dominant spelling in Ireland, Shon emerged as a simplified anglicized form, particularly among Irish diaspora communities. The name has been in sporadic use in the United States since at least 1950, with a modest peak during the 1970s.
Where Shon is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Shon
Names that share Shon's style, for a brother or sister.
