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Sean

Sean is an anglicized version of the Irish name Seán, which itself is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' It became popular in Ireland in the Middle Ages and maintains cultural significance as a classic Irish name. It signifies a sense of tradition and connection to Irish roots.

IPA: /ʃɔːn/ · Simplified: shawn

Male
Irish
Irish
Ireland
strong
classic
approachable
traditional

45/100

Popularity

Falling

10-Year Trend

5

Countries

2015

Peak Year

Meaning of Sean

Etymology, origin story, and cultural significance.

Sean is an anglicized version of the Irish name Seán, which itself is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' It became popular in Ireland in the Middle Ages and maintains cultural significance as a classic Irish name. It signifies a sense of tradition and connection to Irish roots.

Does Sean flow with your last name? — Run the surname compatibility check

How to pronounce Sean

IPA notation and a simplified pronunciation guide.

IPA: /ʃɔːn/ · Simplified: shawn

Nicknames for Sean

Common diminutives and short forms used in everyday life.

Seanie
Shauny
Shay
S

Sean name popularity

Popularity score over the last 10 years and countries where this name is popular.

20152016201720182019202020212022202320240255075100

Popular in Countries

Top countries where this name is most common.

85

Ireland

60

United States

58

United Kingdom

55

Canada

50

Australia

International Forms

How this name appears across different languages and cultures.

Shaun

Shawn

Séan

Seán

Names like Sean

Names with a similar feel you might also like.

Collections featuring Sean

Curated name lists where this name appears

Personality

Traits and perception commonly associated with this name.

Sean is often associated with kindness, loyalty, and charisma. People with this name tend to be approachable and friendly, often seen as reliable and trustworthy. They value friendships and are known for their strong sense of identity and cultural pride.

Name Day

Traditional celebration date for this name.

Not traditionally celebrated

Famous people named Sean

Well-known figures who share this name.

S

Sean Connery

Scottish actor known for being the first to portray James Bond in film; 1930–2020

S

Sean Penn

American actor and filmmaker, known for his roles in 'Mystic River' and 'Milk'; 1960–

S

Sean Bean

English actor known for his roles in 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'Game of Thrones'; 1959–

Frequently asked questions about Sean

Quick answers on meaning, gender, popularity, and nicknames.

What does Sean mean?
Here is the meaning behind Sean: Sean is an anglicized version of the Irish name Seán, which itself is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' It became popular in Ireland in the Middle Ages and maintains cultural significance as a classic Irish name. It signifies a sense of tradition and connection to Irish roots.
Is Sean a boy or girl name?
Sean is traditionally a boy's name, though naming customs vary between cultures and families.
How popular is Sean?
Sean scores 45/100 on Namelia's popularity index, with a peak around 2015.
What are good nicknames for Sean?
Popular nicknames for Sean: Seanie, Shauny, Shay, S.
What names are similar to Sean?
Names similar to Sean: Shane, Shaun, John, Ian — close in sound, origin, or style.

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