Where did the baby name Shevaun come from?

We revisited the name Shevawn-with-a-W the other day, so today let’s check out another Siobhan variant, Shevaun-with-a-U, which first appeared in the data during the ’50s:

  • 1958: unlisted
  • 1957: unlisted
  • 1956: 5 baby girls named Shevaun [debut]
  • 1955: unlisted
  • 1954: unlisted

This one might have a distinct influence as well, because it popped up the same year that Life magazine — which was extremely popular in the middle of the 20th century — suggested that readers pronounce the first name of Irish actress Siobhán McKenna as if it were spelled “Shevaun”:

Life magazine suggests saying Siobhan like "Shevaun" in Sept. 1956.
LIFE suggests “Shevaun”

What do you think?

Source: “Siobhan Shows U.S. Her Joan.” Life. 10 Sept. 1956: 59.

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