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

Popularity of Shadow by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Shadow is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 55% of people named Shadow being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 12 male babies and 8 female babies born with the name Shadow.

The history of the first name Shadow

The name Shadow has its roots in the Old English word "sceadu," which refers to the darkness created by the interception of light. This term can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic "skadwoz," which shares a similar meaning. The name itself emerged during the Middle Ages, primarily used as a descriptive moniker for individuals who lived in secluded or shady areas.

In ancient folklore and mythology, the concept of shadows often represented the realm of the unknown, the mysterious, and the otherworldly. In some cultures, shadows were believed to be representations of one's soul or essence, giving the name a profound symbolic significance.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Shadow can be found in the 12th-century epic poem "The Song of Roland," where a minor character bears this moniker. However, it was not until the 16th and 17th centuries that the name gained more widespread use, particularly among the Puritan communities in England and the American colonies.

Notable historical figures with the name Shadow include Shadow Watkins (1641-1710), an English Puritan minister and author known for his sermons and theological writings. Another prominent figure was Shadow Winfield (1785-1853), an American frontiersman and explorer who played a crucial role in the westward expansion of the United States.

In the realm of literature, the name Shadow gained prominence through the works of William Shakespeare. In his play "A Midsummer Night's Dream," the character of Puck, also known as Robin Goodfellow, is referred to as "Shadow" on several occasions, symbolizing his mischievous and elusive nature.

Another notable individual bearing this name was Shadow Hawkins (1892-1972), an African-American artist and sculptor whose works explored themes of identity, struggle, and resilience during the Harlem Renaissance.

Furthermore, the name Shadow has been associated with various counterculture movements and subcultures, particularly in the 20th century. It was adopted by some individuals as a way to express their identity as outsiders or rebels, embracing the connotations of mystery and nonconformity.

While the name Shadow may not be as common as some other names, it has a rich history and symbolic significance, reflecting the enduring fascination with the enigmatic and the unseen aspects of human existence.

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

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

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