The name Rashawn is an English given name that originated in the 20th century as an African American name. It is a combination of the names Rashad and Shawn, both of which have Arabic and Hebrew origins respectively.

The name Rashad is derived from the Arabic word "rashid," meaning "rightly guided" or "righteous." It has its roots in the Islamic faith and has been used as a name in Arab cultures for centuries. On the other hand, the name Shawn is a modern English variant of the Hebrew name "Shavuon," which means "gift from God."

While there are no known historical references to the name Rashawn in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it gained popularity in the United States during the latter half of the 20th century, particularly among African American families. The earliest recorded examples of the name can be traced back to the 1960s and 1970s.

One of the earliest notable figures with the name Rashawn was Rashawn Brazell, an American football player who played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Brazell was born in 1974 and played for teams such as the New Orleans Saints and the Oakland Raiders.

Another notable person with the name Rashawn is Rashawn Breedlove, an American basketball player who played in the NBA Development League and various international leagues in the early 2000s. Breedlove was born in 1981 and attended the University of Connecticut.

Rashawn Ray is an American sociologist and academic who specializes in race relations and social inequalities. He is currently a professor at the University of Maryland and has published several works on topics such as police-community relations and racial bias. Ray was born in 1983.

Rashawn Slater is a professional American football player who currently plays as an offensive tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL. He was born in 1997 and was selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Rashawn Tinsley is an American former professional basketball player who played in the NBA and various international leagues in the early 2000s. Tinsley was born in 1977 and attended the University of Southern California.