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

Popularity of Shane by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Shane is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 98% of people named Shane being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 525 male babies and 10 female babies born with the name Shane.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 10 baby girls were named Shane in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Shane

The given name Shane has its origins in the Irish Gaelic language, derived from the Old Irish name Seaghain, which itself is a diminutive form of the name Seaghdha. The name Seaghdha is believed to have evolved from the Old Irish word "seadh," meaning "admirable" or "worthy."

In early medieval Ireland, the name Shane was primarily found among the Gaelic clans and families, particularly in the regions of Ulster and Connacht. Its earliest recorded use dates back to the 7th century, appearing in ancient Irish genealogies and annals.

While the name Shane does not have any direct references in religious scriptures or ancient texts, it has been associated with notable figures throughout Irish history. One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name was Shane O'Neill (c. 1530-1567), an Irish prince and leader of the O'Neill dynasty, who led a rebellion against the English Crown in the 16th century.

Another prominent figure with the name Shane was Shane MacGowan (born 1957), the Irish singer-songwriter and lead singer of the iconic punk-folk band The Pogues. MacGowan's music has played a significant role in reviving and popularizing traditional Irish folk music on a global scale.

In the literary world, Shane Leslie (1885-1971) was an Irish writer, playwright, and diplomat who served as a member of the Irish Senate and as a representative to the League of Nations. His works often explored themes of Irish identity and culture.

Moving beyond Ireland, the name Shane has also been adopted in other cultures and contexts. One notable bearer was Shane Warne (1969-2022), the legendary Australian cricketer widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the sport.

In the realm of entertainment, Shane West (born 1978) is an American actor known for his roles in films like "A Walk to Remember" and the television series "ER" and "Nikita." The name Shane has also been used in various works of fiction, such as the classic Western novel "Shane" by Jack Schaefer, published in 1949.

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

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

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