Shaw

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Shaw

Shaw is an English boy name, which has 4 letters.

Shaw is an English surname derived from the Old English word "sceaga," meaning a wood or a wooded area. The name can also be derived from the Welsh name SiƓn or the Gaelic name Mac an Oshaigh, both of which mean "son of the hawk."

Pronuncation sh-aw

Alternate Meaning A grove

Origin or Current Usage English

Gender M

Rating

Be the first one to vote!

Log in to save this name to your favorites.

What to Expect When You're Expecting

Buy On Amazon

The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be

Buy On Amazon

Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide

Buy On Amazon

Mayo Clinic Guide to Your Baby's First Years

Buy On Amazon

Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy

Buy On Amazon
These are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Detailed Information About The Name Shaw

The name 'Shaw' is a surname of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word 'sceaga', meaning a grove or a wood. The name originally referred to someone who lived near a wood or was associated with it in some way. The spelling of the name has evolved over time, with variations such as Shawe and Shawes also being used in the past. Today, the name Shaw is quite common and can be found in various parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

As a surname, Shaw has a long history and has been passed down through generations. Many individuals with the surname Shaw have made notable contributions in various fields, including literature, science, and sports. One prominent example is the famous Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw, known for his insightful plays and sharp wit.

In addition to being a surname, Shaw is also used as a given name. It gained popularity as a first name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Several notable figures bear the name Shaw, such as Shaw Taylor, a British television presenter, and Shawnee Smith, an American actress. The name has a strong and confident sound, which may contribute to its appeal as a given name.

Furthermore, Shaw has been used as the name of numerous places around the world. From streets and neighborhoods to villages and towns, the name appears in various geographical locations. For instance, there is a district called Shaw in Greater Manchester, England, and Shaw Island, one of the San Juan Islands in Washington state, USA.

Overall, the name Shaw has deep historical roots, and its usage as a surname, given name, and place name highlights its enduring popularity and significance in diverse contexts.

Search Baby Names & Meanings

Search our growing database of baby names to find just the right name for your baby or to find out what your own name means!

Celebrity Baby Names

Celebrity baby names are usually not conventional, but some of them become popular. Here is our growing list of celebrity baby names.

Celebrity Baby Names

Naming Your Baby

Picking a name is one of the most important things you will do for your child, so why not take some time to look through our collection of baby naming resources.

Naming Your Baby

Unusual Baby Names

Unique or unusual baby names are tempting when it is time to name your child; however, you should also be aware of the pitfalls that a unique name might have.

Unusual Baby Names

Biblical Baby Names

Biblical names are some of the most widely used names, and for good reason. The tradition and history behind these names makes them a great choice!

Biblical Baby Names

Types of Baby Names

The baby name collection on this site is constantly evolving, and a good way to browse through our database is selecting the type of name you are interested in.

Types of Baby Names