Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Shea
UnisexIrish· “uncertain; possibly 'hawk-like'”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly 'hawk-like' (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- SHAY
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,159
- US babies 2025
- 201
- Best rank
- #698 (1997)
- Peak year
- 2005
Meaning and origin of Shea
Shea is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly 'hawk-like'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish roots.
Shea comes from the Irish surname Ó Séaghdha, meaning descendant of Séaghdha. The meaning of Séaghdha is uncertain; suggestions include hawk-like or fine. As a first name, Shea is used for both boys and girls and became popular in the late twentieth century. It feels friendly and relaxed. Shea Stadium, the former home of the New York Mets, was named for William Shea. The name pairs well with longer middle names.
Other spellings with the same sound: Shay.
Popularity over time
Shea first appears in US Social Security records in 1950. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 31 different years, starting in 1971. Its best national rank was #698 in 1997, and the most babies received it in 2005, when 348 were named Shea. In 2025, 201 babies were named Shea, and it ranked #1,159 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #4,674 in 1950, #963 in 1980, #725 in 2000, #1,220 in 2010, and #1,159 in 2025. Of the 12,565 US girls named Shea since records began, 24% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 2,747 babies. Since 2010, 3,297 more have been named Shea.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Karol, Kaelin, Cameran, Dakoda, and Britton.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Shea ranked highest in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #283 | 21 |
| Connecticut | #447 | 7 |
| New Jersey | #529 | 15 |
| New York | #544 | 31 |
| Pennsylvania | #683 | 15 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Shea is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 63% of US babies named Shea were girls and 37% were boys.
Shea is usually pronounced SHAY, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with S and ends in “-ea”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Shay.
Middle names for Shea
A few middle names that flow with Shea: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Shea
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Lists that include Shea
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Shea mean?
Shea is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly 'hawk-like'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish roots.
What is the origin of the name Shea?
Shea has Irish roots. Shea comes from the Irish surname Ó Séaghdha, meaning descendant of Séaghdha.
Is Shea a popular name?
Not especially. Shea ranked #1,159 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Shea a boy or girl name?
Shea is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 63% of US babies named Shea were girls and 37% were boys.
How do you pronounce Shea?
Shea 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