Marshawn is a modern American name that joins the Mar- of Marcus or Marquis with Shawn, the Irish form of John, so it carries the meaning "God is gracious". It is used almost exclusively by African-American families, and NFL running back Marshawn Lynch, nicknamed Beast Mode, is its best-known bearer. Marshawn peaked at number 1,350 in 2015, during Lynch's years with the Seattle Seahawks, and has slipped to number 2,702 in 2025, with 48 births.