Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Shae
GirlIrish· “variant of Shea; from an Irish surname”
- Meaning
- variant of Shea; from an Irish surname (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- SHAY
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #2,061
- US babies 2025
- 92
- Best rank
- #922 (1998)
- Peak year
- 1998
Meaning and origin of Shae
Shae is often said to mean “variant of Shea; from an Irish surname”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish roots.
Shae is a spelling of Shea, which comes from the Irish surname Ó Séaghdha. The meaning of the surname is uncertain; it is often explained as "fine" or "stately," though sources do not fully agree. Shea moved from surname to given name in the twentieth century, and the Shae spelling has become a favorite for girls. It is short and airy, pronounced like the word shay, and it works well as a first name or as a crisp middle name paired with something longer. Its Irish roots give it quiet heritage.
Popularity over time
Shae first appears in US Social Security records in 1951. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 1 different years, starting in 1998. Its best national rank was #922 in 1998, the same year it reached its highest count of 227 babies. In 2025, 92 babies were named Shae, and it ranked #2,061 nationally. That is 29% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,121 in 1980, #1,165 in 2000, #2,150 in 2010, and #2,061 in 2025. Of the 6,065 US girls named Shae since records began, 28% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 1,451 babies. Since 2010, 1,598 more have been named Shae.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Cydney, Destany, Kyara, Star, and Tatyanna.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Shae ranked highest in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Ohio.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | #998 | 9 |
| Illinois | #1220 | 7 |
| Ohio | #1420 | 6 |
| New York | #1636 | 8 |
| California | #2459 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 83% of US babies named Shae over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Shae is usually pronounced SHAY, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with S and ends in “-ae”.
Middle names for Shae
A few middle names that flow with Shae: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Shae
Similar names
Janae Girl
juh-NAY
“God is gracious” · American (modern coinage)
#1,687
Renae Girl
ruh-NAY
“variant of Renée, reborn” · French
#3,287
Shea Unisex
SHAY
“uncertain; possibly 'hawk-like'” · Irish
#1,159
Bree Girl
BREE
“short form of Brianna or Bridget” · English
#2,826
Rae Girl
RAY
“ewe (short for Rachel)” · English
#1,306
Brea Girl
BRAY-uh
“tar in Spanish; or pet form of Breanna” · Spanish
#3,073
Aoife Girl
EE-fuh
“beauty, radiance” · Irish
#2,120
Neve Girl
NEEV
“bright, radiant; anglicized form of Niamh” · Irish
#3,156
Aine Girl
AWN-yuh
“radiance, brilliance” · Irish
#3,781
Quinn Unisex
KWIHN
“descendant of Conn” · Irish
#97
Mae Girl
MAY
“form of May” · English
#501
Shay Unisex
SHAY
“hawklike; admirable” · Irish
#1,227
Lists that include Shae
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Shae mean?
Shae is often said to mean “variant of Shea; from an Irish surname”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish roots.
What is the origin of the name Shae?
Shae has Irish roots. Shae is a spelling of Shea, which comes from the Irish surname Ó Séaghdha.
Is Shae a popular name?
Not especially. Shae ranked #2,061 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Shae a boy or girl name?
Shae is mainly a girl's name. About 83% of US babies named Shae over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Shae?
Shae is usually pronounced SHAY. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings