Is Deshawn a boy's or girl's name?

Deshawn is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 1,183 recorded births.

When was Deshawn most popular?

Deshawn reached its peak popularity in 1997 with 563 births that year. It is currently ranked #1442 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Deshawn?

Deshawn is currently ranked #1442 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 15,970 babies since 1964.

Deshawn

A American name gently fading from the charts.

Boy's name| Also girlsAmericanDeclining

#1442▲ 40in 2024

Meaning & Origin

Alternative spelling of DeShawn.

DeShawn is a boy's and girl's baby name of American origin, a modern creation combining the French-derived prefix "De-" (meaning 'of the') with Shawn (the Irish form of Sean/John, meaning 'God is gracious'). It emerged in African American naming traditions in the 1970s-80s as a distinctive compound name.

DeShawn carries the creative energy of African American naming tradition — building something new from existing materials that creates its own identity. It has a strong, confident sound and has been carried by NFL players, musicians, and community leaders across America.

Compare Deshawn with another name

Popularity Over Time

Deshawn was #546 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #1442, but its charm endures.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Deshawn
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	692	#1358	▼
2010s	2,479	#901	▼
2000s	4,322	#558	▼
1990s	4,992	#445	▲
1980s	2,061	#632	▲
1970s	1,337	#748	▲
1960s	87	#2320	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(60 years, 1964–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Deshawn
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	125	#1442	+4 (3.3%)
2023	121	#1482	-9 (-6.9%)
2022	130	#1415	-7 (-5.1%)
2021	137	#1349	-42 (-23.5%)
2020	179	#1104	+2 (1.1%)
2019	177	#1113	-57 (-24.4%)
2018	234	#917	+47 (25.1%)
2017	187	#1061	+7 (3.9%)
2016	180	#1091	-24 (-11.8%)
2015	204	#1001	-45 (-18.1%)
2014	249	#873	-15 (-5.7%)
2013	264	#820	-43 (-14.0%)
2012	307	#747	0
2011	307	#738	-63 (-17.0%)
2010	370	#651	+19 (5.4%)
2009	351	#691	-70 (-16.6%)
2008	421	#597	-27 (-6.0%)
2007	448	#574	-63 (-12.3%)
2006	511	#508	+130 (34.1%)
2005	381	#592	-41 (-9.7%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Deshawn as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Deshawn has also been given to 1,183 girls in the U.S. since 1962.

Unranked

Current rank

1,183

Total births

1971

Peak year

Compare Deshawn as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Deshawn be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Deshawn is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #1442. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1964–2024) · Methodology