Rashaun
Primarily a boy's name of American origin with 3,123 recorded births. Also given to 182 girls.
Meaning & Origin
Parents who choose Rashaun tend to be looking for something that feels real but not common — a name with 3,123 recorded births and a peak of 117 in 1998, enough history to feel legitimate without being ordinary.
The sharp, distinct ending gives Rashaun a direct, strong feel that works well in both playground and boardroom.
In the most recent SSA release, Rashaun ranks #4993 among U.S. boy names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Rashaun is a boy's and girl's baby name of American origin, a compound of Ra- — often a prefix in African American naming suggesting the Egyptian sun god Ra or simply a stylistic prefix — and Shaun, the anglicized form of the Irish Seán meaning 'God is gracious.'
Rashaun peaked in popularity during the 1980s and 1990s as part of the Ra- prefix naming tradition. Its combination of a bold, assertive Ra- opening with the familiar Shaun gives it a rhythmic, confident quality that has kept it in use across multiple generations.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Rashaun is a boy's name with several decades of recorded use (1973–2024). Its American roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
Today, Rashaun is an active part of the American naming landscape (ranked #4993), continuing to accumulate its own cultural meaning with each new child who carries it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Rashaun was #1696 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #4993, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 101 | #4949 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 429 | #2997 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 804 | #1710 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 897 | #1248 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 670 | #1174 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 222 | #2409 | — |
The Story of Rashaun
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 1998, Rashaun is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Rashaun are most likely born between 1988 and 2008.
How rare is Rashaun?
Only about 1 in every 180,000 babies born in 2024 was named Rashaun — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1973, peaked in the 1990s with 897 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Rashaun by the numbers
- Would fill 65 school buses
- Meeting one Rashaun per day would take 8.6 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(52 years, 1973–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 20 | #4993 |
| 2023 | 23 | #4576 |
| 2022 | 18 | #5381 |
| 2021 | 18 | #5286 |
| 2020 | 22 | #4510 |
| 2019 | 22 | #4607 |
| 2018 | 27 | #3969 |
| 2017 | 42 | #2879 |
| 2016 | 41 | #2924 |
| 2015 | 35 | #3289 |
| 2014 | 41 | #2877 |
| 2013 | 44 | #2700 |
| 2012 | 51 | #2475 |
| 2011 | 62 | #2139 |
| 2010 | 64 | #2112 |
| 2009 | 64 | #2139 |
| 2008 | 54 | #2399 |
| 2007 | 92 | #1666 |
| 2006 | 85 | #1679 |
| 2005 | 74 | #1786 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Rashaun as a Girl's Name
While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Rashaun has also been given to 182 girls in the U.S. since 1969.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rashaun a boy's or girl's name?
When was Rashaun most popular?
How popular is the name Rashaun?
Can Rashaun be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1973–2024