Shea Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationSHAY / /ʃeɪ/Irish; Hebrew
Meaning
Irish: 'admirable'; Hebrew: 'gift'
Historical & Cultural Background
Shea is an Irish name derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Séaghdha. It has been used as a given name in Ireland and among Irish communities worldwide. In Hebrew, it is associated with the meaning of 'gift', adding a layer of cultural significance. The name has gained popularity in various English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States.
Trend Summary
Shea has seen a steady presence in U.S. baby name rankings, particularly popular in the late 20th century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Shay
International Variants
- Sé (Irish)
- Shea (Irish)
Famous people named Shea
Shea Weber is a professional ice hockey player known for his time with the Montreal Canadiens.
Shea Patterson is a former American football quarterback who played for the University of Michigan.
Shea Couleé is a drag performer and singer, recognized for competing on 'RuPaul's Drag Race'.
Shea McGee is a designer and television personality known for her work on the show 'Studio McGee'.
Fictional characters named Shea
Shea is a character in the video game 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild', serving as a merchant.
Shea is a character in the book series 'The Chronicles of Narnia', known for her adventurous spirit.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Shea was first seen in the United States in 1954. Shea has ranked as high as #888 nationally, which occurred in 1986, and has been most popular in New York, California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Shea has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Shea (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 26 | |
| PA | 9 | |
| MA | 8 | |
| AZ | 7 | |
| CA | 7 | |
| WA | 5 | |
| MI | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1954 | 5 |
| 1957 | 7 |
| 1959 | 13 |
| 1960 | 10 |
| 1961 | 11 |
| 1962 | 11 |
| 1963 | 11 |
| 1964 | 9 |
| 1965 | 14 |
| 1966 | 15 |
| 1967 | 23 |
| 1968 | 44 |
| 1969 | 45 |
| 1970 | 71 |
| 1971 | 64 |
| 1972 | 71 |
| 1973 | 92 |
| 1974 | 102 |
| 1975 | 110 |
| 1976 | 103 |
| 1977 | 93 |
| 1978 | 102 |
| 1979 | 95 |
| 1980 | 115 |
| 1981 | 105 |
| 1982 | 108 |
| 1983 | 106 |
| 1984 | 257 |
| 1985 | 234 |
| 1986 | 280 |
| 1987 | 261 |
| 1988 | 245 |
| 1989 | 218 |
| 1990 | 221 |
| 1991 | 181 |
| 1992 | 178 |
| 1993 | 170 |
| 1994 | 197 |
| 1995 | 187 |
| 1996 | 155 |
| 1997 | 180 |
| 1998 | 137 |
| 1999 | 152 |
| 2000 | 163 |
| 2001 | 187 |
| 2002 | 221 |
| 2003 | 205 |
| 2004 | 195 |
| 2005 | 183 |
| 2006 | 189 |
| 2007 | 167 |
| 2008 | 133 |
| 2009 | 159 |
| 2010 | 123 |
| 2011 | 148 |
| 2012 | 127 |
| 2013 | 105 |
| 2014 | 106 |
| 2015 | 100 |
| 2016 | 102 |
| 2017 | 127 |
| 2018 | 117 |
| 2019 | 124 |
| 2020 | 112 |
| 2021 | 138 |
| 2022 | 124 |
| 2023 | 144 |
| 2024 | 120 |