Sean
Sean: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ʃɔːn/ · /ʃoːn/
Meaning and origin of Sean
- A male given name from Irish.
Etymology
Anglicised form of Irish Seán, from Old French Jehan, from Latin Johannes, variant of Ioannes, from Koine Greek Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs), from Hebrew יוֹחָנָן (Yōḥānān, literally “God is gracious”). Doublet of John, Jack, Johan, Johann, Johannes, Jean, Ian, Evan, Ivan, Shaun, Shane, and Giovanni.
How popular is Sean?
Since 1880, 2,969 girls and 423,637 boys in the U.S. have been named Sean (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1154 in 1968. Its highest rank for boys was #33 in 1972. In 2025 it ranked #489 for boys, with 623 babies given the name.
Names similar to Sean
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Irish boy names
Sibling name ideas for Sean
Sister and brother names that share Sean's Irish roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Sean FAQ
What does the name Sean mean?
A male given name from Irish. Anglicised form of Irish Seán, from Old French Jehan, from Latin Johannes, variant of Ioannes, from Koine Greek Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs), from Hebrew יוֹחָנָן (Yōḥānān, literally “God is gracious”). Doublet of John, Jack, Johan, Johann, Johannes, Jean, Ian, Evan, Ivan, Shaun, Shane, and Giovanni.
What is the origin of the name Sean?
Sean is listed as a name of Irish origin.
How popular is the name Sean?
Since 1880, 2,969 girls and 423,637 boys in the U.S. have been named Sean (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1154 in 1968. Its highest rank for boys was #33 in 1972. In 2025 it ranked #489 for boys, with 623 babies given the name.
Is Sean a boy or girl name?
Sean is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 2,969 girls and 423,637 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.