Find out how popular the first name Shey has been for the last 47 years (from 1975 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shey by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Shey is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 53% of people named Shey being male.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Shey.

The history of the first name Shey

The name Shey has its origins in the Gaelic language, which was spoken by the ancient Celts who inhabited parts of Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. Derived from the Old Irish word "sídhe," which referred to the fairy-like beings of Celtic folklore, the name Shey was initially used as a descriptive term for someone with otherworldly or enchanting qualities.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Shey dates back to the 6th century, when it appeared in the Annals of Ulster, an ancient chronicle that documented events in medieval Ireland. In these annals, Shey is mentioned as the name of a renowned bard and storyteller, who was celebrated for his ability to weave captivating tales of the mystical Tuatha Dé Danann, the supernatural race of beings in Irish mythology.

During the Middle Ages, the name Shey gained popularity among the Gaelic-speaking populations of Ireland and Scotland. It was particularly favored by families with strong ties to the ancient Celtic traditions and folklore. Notable historical figures who bore the name Shey include Shey O'Donnell (c. 1450-1504), a powerful chieftain and leader of the O'Donnell clan in Ulster, and Shey MacLeod (c. 1570-1640), a renowned Scottish warrior and poet from the Isle of Skye.

As the centuries passed, the name Shey transcended its geographical origins and found its way into various cultures and languages. In the 17th century, Shey Paton (1605-1678), a Scottish minister and theologian, played a significant role in shaping the intellectual and religious landscape of his time. A few hundred years later, Shey Fennell (1892-1968), an Irish actor and playwright, gained acclaim for his contributions to the theatrical arts.

Another notable figure bearing the name Shey was Shey Sexton (1919-2009), an American jazz saxophonist and composer who left an indelible mark on the world of music. His innovative style and collaborations with legendary musicians such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie cemented his place in the annals of jazz history.

While the name Shey has retained its Celtic roots and associations with the mystical realms of Irish and Scottish folklore, it has also been embraced by diverse cultures around the world, each adding their own unique interpretations and meanings to this ancient and intriguing 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 Shey was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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