Shun

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Shun

Pronounced SHOON /ˈʃun/Medium

Meaning: Shun is most often a Japanese boy's name, read with meanings such as 'fast, quick' or 'talented' depending on the characters chosen; it is also a Chinese name, notably that of the legendary sage-king Shun. The reading depends on the family's language and characters.Low

In 30 seconds: Shun is a Japanese boy's name often read 'fast' or 'talented', and also a Chinese name (said 'SHOON').

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Origin MediumJapanese, Chinese

MeaningShun is most often a Japanese boy's name, read with meanings such as 'fast, quick' or 'talented' depending on the characters chosen; it is also a Chinese name, notably that of the legendary sage-king Shun. The reading depends on the family's language and characters.

U.S. rank (2023)#13872 ↗ Rising

2023 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1980

Total births (all-time)≈ 909

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Shun is a short East Asian boy's name. In Japanese it takes readings such as 'fast, quick' or 'talented' according to the characters a family selects; in Chinese it recalls the legendary ruler Shun, held up as a model of virtue.

In U.S. records it is a rare heritage name, appearing in small numbers with a modest crest around 1980. Its exact meaning depends on the bearer's characters and language, so it is best given with that context.

Did you know? Shun is borne across East Asia; in Chinese tradition it is the name of a legendary sage-king, while in Japanese it can mean 'fast' or 'talented' depending on the characters.

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Shun — Japanese/Chinese boy's name; character-dependent meaning

Variations

Jun

Nicknames

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Shun mean?

Shun is a Japanese boy's name read as 'fast' or 'talented', and also a Chinese name; the meaning depends on the characters.

How do you pronounce Shun?

It's said SHOON /ˈʃun/ — one syllable.

Is Shun a boy or girl name?

Shun is used here as a boy's name.

How popular is Shun?

Shun is a rare heritage name in the U.S., far more familiar across East Asia.