The name Shauna is a Gaelic feminine name derived from the Irish word "Sionna," which means "ancient" or "venerable." It is believed to have originated in Ireland and Scotland, tracing its roots back to the medieval period.

The earliest recorded use of the name Shauna dates back to the 16th century, when it was occasionally used as a variant spelling of the more common Irish name "Síonán." However, its popularity as a distinct name did not gain significant traction until the 20th century.

One of the earliest notable mentions of the name Shauna can be found in the Irish annals, where it was recorded as the name of a 6th-century saint known as St. Shauna of Kilshanny. According to legend, she was a hermit who lived in County Clare and was renowned for her piety and devotion to the Christian faith.

In the realm of literature, the name Shauna appears in the works of Irish novelist James Joyce, who featured a character named Shauna Chaytor in his posthumously published novel "Finnegans Wake" (1939). This literary reference contributed to the name's growing recognition and popularity in the 20th century.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Shauna. One example is Shauna Rollins (born 1966), an American actress known for her roles in television shows like "Star Trek: Voyager" and "The Pretender." Another is Shauna Coxsey (born 1993), a British rock climber and two-time overall winner of the International Federation of Sport Climbing's Bouldering World Cup.

Other notable individuals with the name include Shauna MacDonald (born 1986), a Scottish actress who has appeared in films like "The Descent" and "The Bourne Ultimatum," and Shauna Rolston (born 1956), a Canadian cellist and renowned classical music performer.

Additionally, Shauna Sexton (born 1995) is an American model and actress who gained media attention for her relationship with actor Ben Affleck in 2018.