Shea
Complete Name Analysis & Etymology Guide
20,790 Total Births
145 Years of Data
2005 Peak Popularity Year
531 Peak Births

Shea Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis

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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"

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Pronunciation

/ʃeɪ/

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Origin

Irish

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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'.

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Meaning

admirable, hawk-like

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Language Evolution

Ó Séaghdha, Séaghdha, Shea

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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.

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Variants & Derivatives

Shay, Séagh, Shea-Ann

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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.

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Famous People

Shea Patterson, an American football player., Shea Whigham, an American actor.

📊 Shea Name Trend Analysis

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Boy Name Trend

Recent 3-Year Analysis

3-Year Trend: Stable
25-Year Trend: Relatively Stable
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Girl Name Trend

Recent 3-Year Analysis

3-Year Trend: Stable
25-Year Trend: Relatively Stable

Explore More Shea Name Visualizations

✨ Shea Name Meaning & Significance

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Popularity Trend

Moderately Popular name with 531 peak births in 2005

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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

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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.

Infographic: Shea name meaning, origin, and popularity trends in the United States (US baby name analysis chart)
[600x500px image] Etymology and historical popularity of Shea,