Find out how popular the first name Seamus has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Seamus by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Seamus is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 136 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Seamus.

The history of the first name Seamus

The name Seamus is a traditional Irish masculine given name derived from the Gaelic name Séamas, which is the Irish version of the name James. The name Séamas itself originated from the Late Latin name Iacomus, which in turn came from the Hebrew name Ya'aqov, meaning "supplanter" or "one who follows".

The name Seamus has been prevalent in Ireland for centuries and was particularly popular among Irish Catholics. Its earliest recorded use dates back to the 12th century, when it appeared in various medieval Irish manuscripts and annals.

One of the earliest known historical figures with the name Seamus was Seamus Ó Cilín, an Irish poet and historian who lived in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He is best known for his work "Eochair-Sgiath an Aifrinn" (The Mass Key), a treatise on the celebration of the Mass.

Another notable bearer of the name was Seamus Heaney, the renowned Irish poet, playwright, and academic who lived from 1939 to 2013. Heaney was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1995 for his "works of lyric beauty and ethical depth, which exalt everyday miracles and the living past".

In the realm of Irish politics, Seamus Mallon, who lived from 1936 to 2020, was a prominent figure. He served as the Deputy Leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) and played a crucial role in the Northern Ireland peace process, including the Good Friday Agreement.

Seamus Deane, born in 1940, is an Irish writer, critic, and academic. He is best known for his novels "Reading in the Dark" and "The Aunt's Story", which explore themes of Irish identity and the legacy of the Troubles.

Another important figure was Seamus Costello, an Irish republican paramilitary and founding member of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). He lived from 1939 to 1977 and played a significant role in the early stages of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Seamus, a name deeply rooted in Irish culture and tradition.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Seamus was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Seamus, please contact us.

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