Shaolin
Pronunciation: [ sh-AH-ohl-ihn ]
Does Shaolin flow with your last name?
A distinctive boy name with a rare, memorable quality.
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
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Browse nicknames →Historical Record
Shaolin first appeared in US Social Security records in 1996.
Over 5 babies have been named Shaolin in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Shaolin is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #36,623 for boy names in the US .
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →"basket-maker"
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Popularity Rank
- #36,623
- Total SSA Count
- 5
Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Shaolin is also used as a girl name, ranked #53407.
View Shaolin as a girl name →Similar Names
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View all →Old French origin
"basket-maker"
#36,795 in US
Old Irish ruadh (red) + rí (king) origin
"red king, red-haired ruler"
#36,696 in US
American origin
"Creative modern name; heart-centered"
#36,679 in US
Old English origin
"Hroda's island, famous land"
#36,675 in US
#36,452 in US
#36,735 in US
#36,638 in US
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shaolin
Is Shaolin a boy or girl name?
How do you pronounce Shaolin?
How popular is the name Shaolin?
What are common nicknames for Shaolin?
Is Shaolin a common or rare name?
About the Name Shaolin
Shaolin is a boy name .
Is Shaolin a boy or girl name? Shaolin is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #36,623 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #53,407. Shaolin is more commonly used as a boy name.
Shaolin is currently ranked #36,623 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
Common nicknames for Shaolin include Sha, Shao, Shaoy, Shaoie, Lin, Liny, Linie, Shy, Shie, and Shakins. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Keep Exploring
Recommended for Parents
Start a registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis