Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Shane
BoyIrish, Hebrew· “God is gracious”
- Meaning
- God is gracious
- Origin
- Irish, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- SHAYN
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #636
- US babies 2025
- 439
- Best rank
- #54 (1973)
- Peak year
- 1973
Meaning and origin of Shane
Shane is an Irish and Hebrew name that means “God is gracious”.
Shane is an English rendering of the Irish Seán, the Irish form of John, which goes back to the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." The spelling reflects the way Seán is pronounced in some northern Irish dialects. As an independent first name Shane spread in the United States and Australia during the twentieth century, helped along by the classic Western film Shane. It has a rugged, relaxed sound, and its single syllable makes it easy to pair with longer surnames. The name feels casual and approachable, and it keeps a clear connection to its Irish roots.
Other spellings with the same sound: Shayne, Shain, Shaine.
Popularity over time
Shane first appears in US Social Security records in 1933. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 73 different years, starting in 1953. Its best national rank was #54 in 1973, the same year it reached its highest count of 5,710 babies. In 2025, 439 babies were named Shane, and it ranked #636 nationally. That is 64% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,388 in 1950, #69 in 1980, #116 in 2000, #198 in 2010, and #636 in 2025. Of the 192,583 US boys named Shane since records began, 26% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1980s come next, with 43,169 babies. Since 2010, 15,701 more have been named Shane.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Jermaine and Chad.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Shane ranked highest in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | #321 | 10 |
| New York | #325 | 56 |
| New Jersey | #342 | 25 |
| Massachusetts | #435 | 12 |
| Arkansas | #436 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Shane over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Shane is usually pronounced SHAYN, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with S and ends in “-ne”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Shayne, Shain, and Shaine.
Middle names for Shane
A few middle names that flow with Shane: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Shane
Similar names
Sean Boy
SHAWN
“God is gracious” · Irish
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Shawn Boy
SHAWN
“God is gracious” · Irish
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Kane Boy
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Duane Boy
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Blane Boy
BLAYN
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Dane Boy
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“a Dane, from Denmark” · English
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Shaun Boy
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Zane Boy
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Lane Boy
LAYN
“narrow path” · English
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Zayne Boy
ZAYN
“variant of Zane or Zayn” · English
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Neil Boy
NEEL
“uncertain; possibly 'champion' or 'cloud'” · Irish
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Lists that include Shane
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Shane mean?
Shane is an Irish and Hebrew name that means “God is gracious”.
What is the origin of the name Shane?
Shane has Irish and Hebrew roots. Shane is an English rendering of the Irish Seán, the Irish form of John, which goes back to the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." The spelling reflects the way Seán is pronounced in some northern Irish dialects.
Is Shane a popular name?
Yes. Shane ranked #636 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Shane a boy or girl name?
Shane is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Shane over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Shane?
Shane is usually pronounced SHAYN. 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