Shadow
Meaningshadow · English
- US rank
- #5,861
- Syllables
- 2
- Peak
- #2,162 in 1993
15 babies were named Shadow in the US in 2025. It has climbed 119 places in five years.
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US births per million girls, 1974–2025
US births per million boys, 1987–2025
Similar names
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
Did you know?
A few things about Shadow you might not know, from US birth records. Handy for convincing a partner, or a grandparent.
- How commonAbout 1 in every 113,636 baby boys born in the US in 2025 was named Shadow, 15 babies in all. In a typical school of 500 kids, your Shadow would very likely be the only one.
- HistoryShadow first shows up in US birth records in 1974, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 51 years since.
- Best yearIts best year was 1993, when it reached #2,162.
- TrendShadow has climbed 119 places in the US rankings over the last five years and now sits at #5,861. Fast risers like this often keep climbing, so expect to hear it more.
- MeaningIn English, Shadow means “shadow”.
About the name Shadow
Shadow is a boy name of English origin meaning “shadow”. It has 6 letters and 2 syllables, starting with S and ending in “-dow”. US birth records list Shadow for boys from 1987 to 2025, in 39 of those 39 years. Its best year was 1993, when it ranked #2,162 among boy names. In 2025 it ranked #5,861, with 15 babies.
Origin:English names
| Decade | Babies per million | About 1 in |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 2.5 | 397,351 girls |
| 1980s | 3.4 | 291,545 girls |
| 1990s | 11 | 90,009 girls |
| 2000s | 5.2 | 191,939 girls |
| 2010s | 3.8 | 264,550 girls |
| 2020s | 5.5 | 180,505 girls |
| Decade | Babies per million | About 1 in |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 7.7 | 130,435 boys |
| 1990s | 13 | 75,643 boys |
| 2000s | 5.0 | 200,401 boys |
| 2010s | 6.4 | 156,250 boys |
| 2020s | 8.7 | 115,385 boys |
More English boy names
- Boy name: Oliver · olive tree
- Boy name: Henry · ruler of the home
- Unisex name: James · supplanter
- Boy name: William · resolute protector
- Boy name: Benjamin · son of the right hand
- Boy name: Jack · God is gracious
- Unisex name: Hudson · son of Hudde
- Unisex name: Julian · of the Julius family
Questions about the name Shadow
What does the name Shadow mean?
Shadow means “shadow” in English.
What is the origin of the name Shadow?
Shadow has English roots in our records. Other English names include Oliver, Henry, James.
Is Shadow a boy or girl name?
Shadow is a boy name.
How popular is the name Shadow?
Shadow ranked #5,861 for US boys in 2025, given to 15 babies. Its best year was 1993 (#2,162).