Find out how popular the first name Seann has been for the last 39 years (from 1974 to 2012) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Seann by gender

Based on the last 39 years of data, Seann is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Seann being male.

For the most recent data in 2012, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Seann.

The history of the first name Seann

The name Seann has its origins in the Gaelic and Irish languages, tracing back to the 5th century CE. It is derived from the Old Irish word "sean," meaning "old" or "ancient." The name was prevalent in the Celtic regions of Ireland, Scotland, and parts of England during the Middle Ages.

In ancient Irish literature, the name appears in several texts, including the Annals of Ulster and the Annals of the Four Masters. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is Seann Ua Maoilchiarain, an Irish scribe and monk who lived in the 11th century.

During the medieval period, the name was borne by several notable figures in Irish and Scottish history. Seann Mac Ruaidhrí was an Irish chieftain and King of Connacht in the 12th century. Seann Mag Shamhradháin was an Irish poet and historian who lived in the 15th century.

In the 16th century, Seann O'Neill was an Irish chieftain and leader of the O'Neill clan, known for his resistance against English rule in Ireland. Another prominent figure was Seann MacDonald, a Scottish clan chief and military leader who played a significant role in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms in the 17th century.

During the 18th century, Seann Mac Aoidh was an Irish poet and scholar from County Donegal, renowned for his contributions to the preservation of Gaelic literature and culture.

Over the centuries, the name has undergone various spellings and variations, such as Sean, Shawn, Shaun, and Seán, reflecting the linguistic diversity and regional influences within the Celtic regions. Despite its ancient roots, the name Seann has remained popular and continues to be used in modern times, carrying the rich cultural heritage of the Gaelic and Irish traditions.

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 Seann was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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