Find out how popular the first name Leshawn has been for the last 47 years (from 1975 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Leshawn by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Leshawn is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 81% of people named Leshawn being male.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Leshawn.

The history of the first name Leshawn

The name Leshawn has its origins in the African American culture, emerging as a distinct name in the 20th century. It is a combination of the French prefix "le" and the English name "Shawn," derived from the Irish name "Seán," meaning "God is gracious."

While the name Leshawn does not have a documented history in ancient texts or religious scriptures, its roots can be traced back to the African American community's efforts to create unique and culturally significant names for their children during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. This period saw a surge in the popularization of distinctly African American names as a means of asserting cultural identity and pride.

The earliest recorded use of the name Leshawn can be found in birth records from the late 1960s and early 1970s. One of the earliest notable individuals to bear the name was Leshawn Holden, an American football defensive back who played for the University of Southern California from 1986 to 1990.

Another prominent figure with the name Leshawn is Leshawn Merritt, an American track and field sprinter born in 1986. He is a former Olympic champion and world record holder in the 400-meter hurdles. Merritt's success on the international stage has contributed to the recognition and popularity of the name Leshawn.

Leshawn Riddick, born in 1981, is a former professional basketball player who played in the NBA for teams like the Orlando Magic and the New Jersey Nets. His athletic achievements have also brought attention to the name Leshawn.

Leshawn Henderson, born in 1977, is an American singer and songwriter known for her work in the gospel and contemporary Christian music genres. Her contributions to the music industry have further popularized the name Leshawn.

Leshawn Merritt, a different individual from the Olympic sprinter mentioned earlier, is a former professional American football defensive back who played for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Houston Texans in the early 2000s. His presence in the NFL has added to the visibility of the name Leshawn in sports.

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 Leshawn was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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