Find out how popular the first name Shain has been for the last 49 years (from 1974 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shain by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Shain is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Shain being male.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 10 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Shain.

The history of the first name Shain

The name Shain has its origins in the Hebrew language and is derived from the word "shayah," which means "gift" or "present." The name is believed to have emerged during the ancient period of Jewish history, possibly around the time of the Babylonian captivity in the 6th century BCE.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Shain can be found in the Talmud, a central text of Rabbinic Judaism. In the Talmud, Shain is referenced as a name given to a child born during a time of great struggle or hardship, symbolizing the child as a gift from God.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Shain gained popularity among Jewish communities in Europe, particularly in areas such as Germany, Poland, and Russia. During this time, the name was often associated with scholarly pursuits and religious devotion.

One notable figure bearing the name Shain was Shain ben Tziyon, a 14th-century Jewish philosopher and scholar from Spain. He was known for his commentaries on the works of Maimonides and his contributions to the field of Jewish thought.

In the 16th century, Shain Cohen was a prominent Jewish merchant and financier who played a significant role in the economic development of the Ottoman Empire. His name is recorded in various historical documents related to trade and finance during that period.

Another important figure in history with the name Shain was Shain Abulafia, a 17th-century Kabbalist and Jewish mystic from Palestine. He is remembered for his writings on the Kabbalah and his influence on the development of Jewish mysticism.

In the 19th century, Shain Landau was a notable Jewish author and poet from Poland. He is best known for his works that explored themes of Jewish identity and cultural heritage.

Shain Zamir, born in 1905 in Russia, was a prominent Zionist leader and politician who played a crucial role in the establishment of the State of Israel. He served as a member of the Knesset (Israeli parliament) and held various government positions during the early years of the state.

While the name Shain has its roots in the Hebrew language and Jewish culture, it has also been adopted and used by other communities around the world. However, the historical significance and meaning of the name remain deeply rooted in its Jewish origins and the concepts of divine gift and blessing.

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

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

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