shawn

Shawn is a masculine given name, an Anglicized form of Sean, which itself derives from the Irish Seán, the Irish form of John. The root meaning is traditionally understood as "God is gracious." The spelling Shawn, along with Shaun or Sean, has been widely used in English-speaking countries, with Sean more common in Ireland and parts of the UK and Shawn more common in the United States. The name is usually pronounced as "shawn."

Variants and spellings include Sean, Shaun, Shaan, and Shon. The name has been popular in the United States since the late 20th century, often adopted for its modern sound while preserving the traditional connection to John.

Notable people named Shawn include Shawn Mendes, a Canadian singer-songwriter; Shawn Johnson, an American former artistic gymnast; Shawn Ashmore, a Canadian actor; Shawn Wayans, an American actor, comedian, and writer; and Shawn Carter, the birth name of the artist known as Jay-Z. Other public figures with the name span sports and entertainment, such as Shawn Bradley, an American former NBA center. The name Shawn appears across diverse fields and continues to be used internationally in various cultures, often chosen for its contemporary feel while maintaining a classic root.