Find out how popular the first name Shawnda has been for the last 35 years (from 1974 to 2008) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shawnda by gender

Based on the last 35 years of data, Shawnda is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2008, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Shawnda.

The history of the first name Shawnda

The name Shawnda is believed to have originated from the Irish Gaelic name Síomha, which means "silk" or "silky." It is a feminine variant of the masculine name Síomhón. The name likely emerged during the Middle Ages in Ireland, a time when the use of Gaelic names was widespread across the Emerald Isle.

In its early iterations, the name Shawnda was often spelled as Síomhadha or Síomhádha in Irish Gaelic. As the name made its way into English-speaking regions, it underwent various spelling adaptations, eventually evolving into the modern form of Shawnda.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Shawnda can be traced back to the 16th century, when it appeared in historical records from County Galway, Ireland. During this time period, the name was primarily associated with families of Irish nobility and gentry.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Shawnda. One of the earliest was Shawnda Ní Cheallaigh, a 17th-century Irish noblewoman and landowner from County Clare. Another prominent figure was Shawnda O'Reilly, a celebrated Irish poet and bard who lived in the late 18th century.

In the 19th century, Shawnda Byrne, an Irish immigrant to the United States, gained recognition for her involvement in the women's suffrage movement and advocacy for workers' rights. During the same era, Shawnda MacNeill, a Scottish-born activist, played a pivotal role in the campaign for Irish independence from British rule.

One of the most famous bearers of the name Shawnda was Shawnda O'Connor, an Irish singer-songwriter and musician who rose to prominence in the late 20th century. Born in 1966, O'Connor achieved international acclaim for her powerful vocals and thought-provoking lyrics, earning numerous awards and accolades throughout her career.

While the name Shawnda has its roots in Irish culture, it has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its unique sound and historical significance have made it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with a rich heritage and cultural significance.

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

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

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