Origin and Meaning of Shawnay

Derived variant of the name Shawna, meaning 'the God is gracious'.

Origin: English - The name Shawnay is derived from the name Shawna, which is a feminine variant of Sean, itself a form of John. The name John has Hebrew origins, meaning 'God is gracious'.

• Shawnay emerged as a creative variation in the 1980s, reflecting the trend of unique spellings of traditional names.
• While commonly used in English-speaking countries, Shawnay is particularly popular within African American communities.
• Notable bearers include Shawnay McPherson, an American basketball player, showcasing the name in the sports arena.
• Shawnay saw a rise in popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, but its usage has declined in recent years.
• Variations of this name include Shawna, Shanae, and the more classic Shawnee or Shaun.