Seamus
Seamus is a boy's name of Irish origin.
Meaning
Supplanter or one who follows.
Origin and history
Seamus is the traditional Irish Gaelic form of the name James, which derives from the Hebrew name Jacob. It has maintained a steady presence in the United States, popular among families appreciating its classical Celtic heritage. In English contexts, it is widely recognized as a classic masculine name with strong Irish roots.
Popularity in the United States
7,809 babies in the United States have been named Seamus since 1880. It ranks #1371 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1145.
States where it is most popular
- NY (15.1 %)
- MA (14.5 %)
- CA (12.7 %)
- PA (11.2 %)
- IL (6.7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 25 |
| 1960-1970 | 122 |
| 1970-1980 | 332 |
| 1980-1990 | 497 |
| 1990-2000 | 1,241 |
| 2000-2010 | 2,446 |
| 2010-2019 | 2,268 |
| 2020-2029 | 878 |
Famous people named Seamus
- Seamus Heaney: Poet, Playwright
- Seamus Dever: Actor
Fun facts
- Seamus evolved as the Irish language translation of the Norman name Gemmes, which corresponds to James.
- Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney brought international literary prominence to the name.