Shea
Shea is a boy's name of Irish origin.
Meaning
Admirable, fine, or hawk-like.
Origin and history
Shea is an anglicized form of the Irish name Séaghdha, traditional to Ireland and long established in the English-speaking world. Though historically associated with Gaelic lineage, it has gained steady unisex popularity in the United States over recent decades. Today, it remains a familiar, modern choice for American boys.
Popularity in the United States
8,537 babies in the United States have been named Shea since 1880. It ranks #1310 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1228.
States where it is most popular
- NY (18.9 %)
- CA (18.2 %)
- TX (8.2 %)
- MA (7.6 %)
- PA (6.1 %)
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 | 193 |
| 1970-1980 | 902 |
| 1980-1990 | 1,929 |
| 1990-2000 | 1,758 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,802 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,179 |
| 2020-2029 | 749 |
Famous people named Shea
- Shea Whigham: Actor
- Shea Hillenbrand: Baseball Player
- Shea Patterson: Football Player
Fun facts
- Shea originates from the Old Irish word Séaghdha, which conveyed majesty or favor.
- While historically masculine in Ireland, Shea is used for both boys and girls in modern American usage.