Shea Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Shea has its origins in the Irish cultural and linguistic tradition, stemming from the surname Ó Séaghdha which means 'admirable' or 'hawk-like'. It has evolved from historical forms like Ó Séaghdha and Séaghdha to its current form, Shea. The name is associated with traits of admiration and strength, but it has no biblical relevance. Shea gained popularity in the 20th century and is now seen as a trendy name for both genders, with various common variants.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Shea"
Pronunciation
/ʃeɪ/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Shea is derived from the Irish surname 'Ó Séaghdha', which means 'descendant of Séaghdha'. The name Séaghdha itself translates to 'admirable' or 'hawk-like'.
Meaning
admirable, hawk-like
Language Evolution
Ó Séaghdha, Séaghdha, Shea
Historical Usage
The name Shea gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora, as it became used as a given name rather than solely a surname.
Variants & Derivatives
Shay, Séagh, Shea-Ann
Modern Popularity & Image
In contemporary usage, Shea is often perceived as a modern and trendy name, commonly used for both boys and girls, though it is more frequently given to girls.
Famous People
Shea Patterson, an American football player., Shea Whigham, an American actor.
📊 Shea Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 531 peak births in 2005
Geographic Spread
Popular across 46 US states, with strongest presence in Arizona
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Shea" - Complete Guide (3 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Shea". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 3 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Shea" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Shea"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Shea"
"Shea" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3872nd of 7552 | 77 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 950th of 10718 | 1,159 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 711th of 16616 | 3,103 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1032nd of 24088 | 2,669 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1483rd of 23106 | 1,419 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 4671st of 12526 | 135 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1158th of 19264 | 1,652 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 847th of 27321 | 3,520 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 881st of 35406 | 4,503 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1158th of 30306 | 2,553 |
Regional Popularity of "Shea" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
36.43% 1070th/2937 |
34.34% 1196th/3483 |
30.98% 1090th/3518 |
21.83% 883rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
17.99% 663rd/3685 |
16.31% 730th/4475 |
16.50% 857th/5194 |
10.15% 641st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
26.23% 1202nd/4582 |
10.69% 552nd/5164 |
23.96% 1752nd/7313 |
14.40% 1075th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
42.22% 1682nd/3984 |
14.82% 665th/4487 |
43.83% 2990th/6822 |
27.41% 1720th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Shea" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
95.37% 2721st/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
46.14% 1355th/2937 |
56.88% 1981st/3483 |
26.92% 947th/3518 |
31.73% 1283rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
23.99% 884th/3685 |
22.48% 1006th/4475 |
15.77% 819th/5194 |
13.28% 839th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
18.62% 853rd/4582 |
11.70% 604th/5164 |
16.19% 1184th/7313 |
12.26% 915th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
32.03% 1276th/3984 |
10.43% 468th/4487 |
30.94% 2111th/6822 |
22.42% 1407th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Shea"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Shea" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Shea" in the United States
The name Shea is most popular in Arizona, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Shea has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Shea' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3872nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 950th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 711th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1032nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1483rd out of 23106 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4671st out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1158th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 847th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 881st out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1158th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Shea' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.