Shan Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Shan originates from the Chinese word for 'mountain', symbolizing strength and stability. It has evolved linguistically from Old Chinese to modern Mandarin. While it does not have a biblical background, it has gained popularity in various cultures, particularly among Chinese communities. Variants include Shane and Shaun, and it is viewed positively in modern contexts. Notable figures with this name include Shan Yu from Disney's Mulan and Afghan singer Shan Rahimkhan.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Shan"
Pronunciation
/ʃæn/
Origin
Chinese
Etymology
The name 'Shan' can be derived from the Mandarin word '山' which means 'mountain'. It is often associated with strength and stability.
Meaning
mountain
Language Evolution
Shan (现代汉语), Shan (Mandarin), Shan (Old Chinese)
Historical Usage
The name Shan has been used in various cultures, primarily within Chinese communities, and has gained popularity in Western contexts as a given name or surname.
Variants & Derivatives
Shane, Shani, Shaun
Modern Popularity & Image
In contemporary times, Shan is perceived as a modern and versatile name, appreciated for its simplicity and strong connotation.
Famous People
Shan Yu (character from Disney's Mulan), Shan Rahimkhan (Afghan singer), Shan L. (Chinese actor)
📊 Shan Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Shan Name Visualizations
✨ Shan Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 105 peak births in 1970
Geographic Spread
Popular across 11 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Shan"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Shan"
"Shan" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 6773rd of 6773 | 5 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2627th of 7552 | 186 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1140th of 10718 | 838 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1984th of 16616 | 557 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 3273rd of 24088 | 482 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 6443rd of 23106 | 156 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 8681st of 9204 | 6 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2779th of 12526 | 324 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2902nd of 19264 | 397 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 9636th of 27321 | 102 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 22155th of 35406 | 30 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 30306th of 30306 | 5 |
Regional Popularity of "Shan" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - |
57.80% 1604th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
49.61% 1728th/3483 |
39.03% 1373rd/3518 |
29.77% 1204th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
48.49% 1787th/3685 |
40.94% 1832nd/4475 |
43.67% 2268th/5194 |
30.90% 1952nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
57.15% 2951st/5164 |
47.20% 3452nd/7313 |
36.97% 2759th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - |
75.38% 4731st/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Shan" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - |
68.36% 1897th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
100.00% 2937th/2937 |
- |
67.54% 2376th/3518 |
87.17% 3525th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Shan"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Shan" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Shan" in the United States
The name Shan is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Shan has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Shan' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 6773rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2627th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1140th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1984th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3273rd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 6443rd out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 8681st out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2779th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2902nd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 9636th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 22155th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 30306th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Shan' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.