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

Popularity of Shae by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Shae is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 78% of people named Shae being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 118 female babies and 26 male babies born with the name Shae.

The history of the first name Shae

The name Shae is believed to have its origins in the Gaelic language, specifically from the Irish word "sídhe," which means "fairy" or "fairy mound." This name was commonly used in Ireland and Scotland during the medieval period, around the 9th to 15th centuries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Shae can be found in Irish folklore and mythology. The Sidhe, also known as the Fairy Folk or the Aos Sí, were believed to be a race of supernatural beings that inhabited ancient burial mounds and fairy forts across the Celtic lands. The name Shae was often associated with these mythical creatures, imbuing it with a sense of mysticism and enchantment.

In the 12th century, the name Shae appeared in the Icelandic Sagas, which documented the history and legends of the Norse people. The Saga of the Faroe Islanders mentions a character named Shae, who was a chieftain's daughter from the Faroe Islands. This reference suggests that the name had spread beyond the Celtic regions and was adopted by other cultures in the North Atlantic region.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Shae. One of the earliest recorded was Shae O'Murchadha, an Irish poet and bard who lived in the 12th century. His poems and songs were widely celebrated and helped preserve the oral traditions of his time.

Another prominent figure was Shae Fitzpatrick, an Irish noblewoman who lived in the 16th century. She was known for her bravery and leadership during the Tudor conquest of Ireland, where she rallied local forces to resist the English invasion.

In the 18th century, Shae O'Neill was a celebrated Irish harpist and composer. Her musical talents were highly regarded, and she performed for notable figures of the time, including members of the Irish aristocracy.

In more recent times, the name Shae has been associated with fictional characters. One notable example is Shae, a beloved character from the popular fantasy series "Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin. Her portrayal as a loyal and compassionate handmaiden captured the hearts of many viewers.

Despite its ancient Celtic roots, the name Shae has maintained a timeless quality and has been adopted by various cultures worldwide. Its enchanting origins and connection to Irish mythology have contributed to its enduring popularity as a given name.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!