Find out how popular the first name Deshawn has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Deshawn by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Deshawn is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 95% of people named Deshawn being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 120 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Deshawn.

The history of the first name Deshawn

The name Deshawn is a modern English name with roots in both French and African American culture. Its origins can be traced back to the late 20th century, particularly in urban communities within the United States.

The name Deshawn is believed to be a combination of the French prefix "de-" meaning "of" or "from," and the English name "Shawn," which itself is derived from the Irish name Seán or Séamus. The prefix "de-" was likely added to create a more unique and distinctive name, reflecting a desire for individuality and cultural identity.

While the name Deshawn does not have any direct historical references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, its emergence can be seen as a reflection of the African American experience and the blending of different cultural influences. The use of French prefixes with English or Irish names was a way for African Americans to create new, distinctive names that celebrated their unique heritage and identity.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Deshawn can be found in the 1970s, when it began to gain popularity within African American communities. However, it was not until the 1980s and 1990s that the name truly gained widespread recognition and usage.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Deshawn. One of the earliest and most prominent was Deshawn Stevenson (born 1981), an American professional basketball player who played in the NBA for teams such as the Utah Jazz and the Dallas Mavericks. Another well-known Deshawn was Deshawn Wynn (born 1984), a former American football running back who played for teams like the Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers.

In the entertainment industry, Deshawn Stevenson (born 1989) is an American actor and model, best known for his roles in television shows like "Empire" and "Power." Deshawn Goncalves (born 1984) is a Canadian actor and producer who has appeared in films such as "Saw IV" and "The Strain."

Finally, Deshawn Painter (born 1992) is an American mixed martial artist who has competed in various promotions, including the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Bellator MMA.

These individuals, spanning various fields and professions, have helped to popularize and establish the name Deshawn as a distinct and recognizable moniker within modern society.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Deshawn was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Deshawn, please contact us.

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