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Shaun

Boy name · 4,920 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Shaun: 4,920 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 265 births in 1991.

Shaun is an Anglicised spelling of Seán, the Irish form of John, ultimately from the Hebrew Yohanan, meaning "God is gracious." This version gained popularity across Scotland and the rest of the UK from the mid-20th century, often chosen for its familiar yet slightly distinct feel. Notable bearers include actor Shaun Williamson, best known for playing Barry in *EastEnders*, and Olympic snowboarder Shaun White, whose "Flying Tomato" hair became iconic. In popular culture, Shaun the Sheep is the beloved stop-motion star from Aardman Animations, a connection that gives the name a playful, enduring warmth. The spelling remains a common alternative to Sean in Scotland, where both variants have been consistently given to boys since the 1970s, reflecting the country’s close ties to Irish naming traditions.