Sheridan Unisex

Popularity: #924 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: SHER-i-dan /ˈʃɛrɪdən/

Origin: Irish; English

Meaning: Irish: 'descendant of Sirideán'; English: 'from the seat of the oak'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Sheridan has its roots in the Irish surname "O'Searraidhe," which translates to "descendant of Searradh," with Searradh itself meaning "the wild one" or "the untamed one." The name evolved through various forms, including the anglicized version "Sheridan," which became more widely used in English-speaking countries. The transition into English occurred during the 17th century, as Irish surnames were adapted for use in English contexts, particularly during the period of English colonization in Ireland.

Historically, the name Sheridan has been associated with notable figures, particularly in the 19th century. One prominent individual was Philip Sheridan, a Union general during the American Civil War, who played a crucial role in several key battles.

His military achievements contributed to the name's recognition in American history. Additionally, the name has been borne by various literary figures, including the playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan, who was active in the late 18th century and is known for his contributions to English theatre.

Culturally, the name Sheridan has resonated within Irish heritage, often symbolizing strength and resilience. The name's association with wildness and untamed nature reflects a connection to the rugged landscapes of Ireland.

This connection has fostered a sense of identity among those with the name, linking them to their ancestral roots. While diminutive forms such as "Sher" may arise in casual contexts, the name Sheridan itself has maintained its integrity and significance throughout its historical journey.

Famous people named Sheridan

In this section, you will find notable people named Sheridan. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Sheridan who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Sheridan who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Sheridan Smith is an actress and singer best known for Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Cilla, and The Moorside.

Sheridan Le Fanu is a writer best known for the novella Carmilla and the novel Uncle Silas.

Fictional characters named Sheridan

The following list of fictional characters named Sheridan is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.

You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.

Sheridan is a fictional character from the TV series Babylon 5. He is the commander of the space station Babylon 5 and plays a crucial role in the interstellar conflict.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Sheridan, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

MadisonKatherineLillianVictoriaNatalieEmily

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Sheridan. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.

ShannonSamanthaSierraSelenaSavannahSabrinaShayla

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Sheridan was first seen in the United States in 1891.

Sheridan has ranked as high as #1326 nationally, which occurred in 2001, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Illinois, Oklahoma, and New York.

In the past 5 years the name Sheridan has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Sheridan is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Sheridan was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Sheridan.

Year Total Births Boy Girl
2025 32 8 24
2024 20 0 20
2023 31 6 25
2022 34 15 19
2021 20 6 14
2020 22 5 17
2019 22 0 22
2018 29 9 20
2017 27 5 22
2016 43 7 36
2015 34 0 34
2014 44 6 38
2013 46 8 38
2012 51 0 51
2011 59 9 50
2010 69 6 63
2009 84 0 84
2008 86 7 79
2007 130 11 119
2006 136 7 129
2005 167 14 153
2004 212 20 192
2003 228 21 207
2002 242 17 225
2001 328 23 305
2000 287 23 264
1999 235 36 199
1998 225 37 188
1997 259 41 218
1996 243 41 202
1995 221 50 171
1994 207 35 172
1993 193 43 150
1992 179 46 133
1991 151 46 105
1990 139 52 87
1989 107 35 72
1988 67 31 36
1987 67 25 42
1986 62 21 41
1985 61 24 37
1984 46 17 29
1983 49 29 20
1982 46 16 30
1981 41 24 17
1980 67 32 35
1979 61 32 29
1978 42 21 21
1977 44 20 24
1976 43 26 17
1975 54 28 26
1974 53 29 24
1973 60 37 23
1972 58 29 29
1971 84 42 42
1970 52 29 23
1969 68 28 40
1968 53 24 29
1967 42 14 28
1966 37 16 21
1965 47 17 30
1964 33 16 17
1963 47 20 27
1962 42 18 24
1961 50 19 31
1960 40 20 20
1959 46 22 24
1958 44 17 27
1957 40 13 27
1956 34 13 21
1955 35 12 23
1954 60 32 28
1953 46 19 27
1952 42 16 26
1951 64 18 46
1950 73 25 48
1949 86 39 47
1948 82 34 48
1947 101 30 71
1946 108 46 62
1945 58 26 32
1944 84 32 52
1943 98 40 58
1942 88 44 44
1941 83 52 31
1940 66 42 24
1939 50 28 22
1938 61 44 17
1937 40 27 13
1936 49 33 16
1935 34 29 5
1934 27 27 0
1933 19 19 0
1932 12 12 0
1931 21 21 0
1930 26 26 0
1929 25 25 0
1928 42 36 6
1927 28 28 0
1926 36 36 0
1925 30 30 0
1924 29 29 0
1923 35 35 0
1922 26 26 0
1921 33 33 0
1920 21 21 0
1919 24 24 0
1918 24 24 0
1917 21 21 0
1916 19 19 0
1915 20 20 0
1914 22 22 0
1913 13 13 0
1912 14 14 0
1911 8 8 0
1910 5 5 0
1908 5 5 0
1906 5 5 0
1903 6 6 0
1902 6 6 0
1898 7 7 0
1896 6 6 0
1895 8 8 0
1893 5 5 0
1891 14 14 0

Top States for Sheridan (2016)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
NY 5
50%
TX 5
50%