Find out how popular the first name Shean has been for the last 36 years (from 1974 to 2009) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shean by gender

Based on the last 36 years of data, Shean is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2009, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Shean.

The history of the first name Shean

The name Shean has its origins in the Irish language, deriving from the Gaelic word "Seán," which is a variation of the name John. This name traces its roots back to the Hebrew name "Yohanan," meaning "Yahweh is gracious" or "God is gracious." The name Shean has been in use since the medieval period in Ireland and Scotland.

In the early Irish Christian tradition, the name Seán or Shean was closely associated with St. John the Apostle, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. The name gained popularity among Irish and Scottish families, particularly after the spread of Christianity in these regions during the 5th and 6th centuries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Shean can be found in the Irish Annals, which mention a figure named Shean Mac Conmidhe, who lived in the 8th century AD and was a notable scribe and scholar. Another early bearer of the name was Shean Ua Dubhagain, an Irish poet and historian who lived in the 14th century.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Shean. One of the most famous was Shean O'Casey (1880-1964), an Irish playwright and memoirist known for his works depicting the lives of the working-class in Dublin. Another influential figure was Shean O'Faolain (1900-1991), an Irish writer and literary critic who played a significant role in the Irish literary renaissance.

In the realm of sports, Shean Mullin (1882-1957) was a renowned Irish hurler who captained the Tipperary team to victory in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship in 1916. Shean Reid (1910-1992) was a Scottish professional footballer who played for Celtic F.C. during the 1930s and won numerous domestic honors.

Shean Connery (1930-2020) was a Scottish actor best known for his portrayal of the iconic character James Bond in several films, including Dr. No, Goldfinger, and Thunderball. He was widely acclaimed for his acting skills and received numerous awards, including an Academy Award, two BAFTA Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards.

While the name Shean has its roots in Irish and Scottish culture, it has been adopted by various communities worldwide, reflecting the cultural exchange and migration patterns throughout history. However, its origins and historical significance remain deeply rooted in the Celtic traditions of Ireland and Scotland.

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

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

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