Find out how popular the first name Shin has been for the last 42 years (from 1978 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shin by gender

Based on the last 42 years of data, Shin is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 89% of people named Shin being male.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Shin.

The history of the first name Shin

The name Shin has its origins in several cultures and languages around the world. In Japanese, the name Shin is written with the kanji character 真, which means "true" or "genuine." This name has been used in Japan for centuries and is often associated with virtues such as honesty, sincerity, and authenticity.

In Korean, the name Shin is written with the Hangul characters 신, which can have various meanings depending on the context. It can mean "new," "god," or "spirit." The name Shin has been used in Korea for a long time and has roots in Korean mythology and belief systems.

The name Shin also has a presence in Hebrew and Aramaic languages, where it is written as שין. In these Semitic languages, the name is linked to the word "shin," which means "tooth" or "sharp." This connection could suggest associations with strength, resilience, or sharpness.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Shin can be found in ancient Chinese texts, where it appeared as a personal name or a surname. In the Shiji, a historical record of ancient China, there are references to individuals with the name Shin who lived during the Warring States period (475-221 BCE).

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Shin. One example is Shin Bunroku (1601-1672), a renowned Japanese poet and calligrapher from the Edo period. Another is Shin Yun-bok (1923-2022), a renowned Korean artist known for his intricate calligraphic works.

In the realm of religion and philosophy, Shin Buddhism, a branch of Pure Land Buddhism, was founded by the Japanese Buddhist monk Shinran (1173-1263). Shinran's teachings emphasized the concept of salvation through faith in the Amida Buddha.

In the world of martial arts, Shin Kyokushin Karate was founded by Masutatsu Oyama (1923-1994), a Japanese karate master known for his rigorous training methods and his emphasis on full-contact fighting.

Another notable figure is Shin Sang-ok (1926-2006), a Korean film director and producer who was famous for his contributions to the Golden Age of Korean cinema in the 1950s and 1960s.

The name Shin has a rich history and diverse cultural connections, spanning various languages, belief systems, and artistic disciplines. Its meanings range from honesty and authenticity to strength and sharpness, reflecting the versatility and depth of this name across different cultures and contexts.

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

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

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