Young forest
Derived from the Mandarin Chinese words 'shao' (young) and 'lin' (forest). It is most famously associated with the Shaolin Monastery in Henan Province, China, the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu. In a naming context, it evokes the serenity of nature and the discipline of martial arts history.
Less common today
Shaolin isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #7,676 in 1999.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
A character in the animated series 'Xiaolin Showdown' · Xiaolin Showdown
