Shae Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: shay //ʃeɪ//
Origin: Irish; English
Meaning: Irish: 'admirable'; English: 'from the fairy palace'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Shae is believed to have roots in the Irish name Shea, which itself is derived from the Gaelic name "Séaghdha," meaning "admirable" or "hawk-like." The transition from Séaghdha to Shea occurred as the name was Anglicized, particularly during the 19th century when Irish names were adapted to fit English phonetics. The spelling Shae likely emerged as a modern variation, reflecting contemporary naming trends that favor unique or phonetic spellings.
Historically, the name Shea has been associated with various figures in Irish history and literature. Notably, Shea has been used as a surname and has connections to notable Irish families and clans.
The name's association with the Gaelic language and culture has contributed to its enduring presence in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora. The use of Shea in literature can be traced back to the 19th century, with its presence in Irish poetry and folklore, which often celebrated the virtues of bravery and nobility, aligning with the name's meanings.
Culturally, the name Shae and its variants have resonated within communities that value heritage and tradition. The name embodies qualities of strength and admiration, making it a fitting choice for those who wish to honor their Irish roots.
Additionally, diminutive forms like Shay have emerged, further enriching the name's cultural tapestry. The evolution of Shae reflects broader trends in naming practices, where traditional names are adapted to suit modern sensibilities while retaining their historical significance.
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Fictional characters named Shae
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Shae was first seen in the United States in 1951. Shae has ranked as high as #1038 nationally, which occurred in 1998, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Shae has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Shae (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 11 | |
| MA | 9 | |
| PA | 7 | |
| CA | 5 | |
| IL | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1951 | 11 |
| 1952 | 5 |
| 1959 | 7 |
| 1961 | 5 |
| 1962 | 12 |
| 1963 | 7 |
| 1964 | 9 |
| 1965 | 11 |
| 1966 | 11 |
| 1967 | 14 |
| 1968 | 16 |
| 1969 | 19 |
| 1970 | 43 |
| 1971 | 45 |
| 1972 | 34 |
| 1973 | 52 |
| 1974 | 47 |
| 1975 | 49 |
| 1976 | 55 |
| 1977 | 47 |
| 1978 | 47 |
| 1979 | 54 |
| 1980 | 49 |
| 1981 | 63 |
| 1982 | 59 |
| 1983 | 52 |
| 1984 | 50 |
| 1985 | 50 |
| 1986 | 74 |
| 1987 | 104 |
| 1988 | 105 |
| 1989 | 129 |
| 1990 | 98 |
| 1991 | 139 |
| 1992 | 118 |
| 1993 | 177 |
| 1994 | 166 |
| 1995 | 178 |
| 1996 | 184 |
| 1997 | 190 |
| 1998 | 227 |
| 1999 | 203 |
| 2000 | 173 |
| 2001 | 150 |
| 2002 | 157 |
| 2003 | 146 |
| 2004 | 177 |
| 2005 | 135 |
| 2006 | 150 |
| 2007 | 134 |
| 2008 | 114 |
| 2009 | 115 |
| 2010 | 92 |
| 2011 | 78 |
| 2012 | 81 |
| 2013 | 132 |
| 2014 | 100 |
| 2015 | 129 |
| 2016 | 99 |
| 2017 | 78 |
| 2018 | 109 |
| 2019 | 95 |
| 2020 | 91 |
| 2021 | 116 |
| 2022 | 99 |
| 2023 | 119 |
| 2024 | 88 |