Declining since 2008, #1,276 for boys today.
Popularity of Seamus since 1957
Babies named Seamus per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 25 |
| 1960s | 122 |
| 1970s | 332 |
| 1980s | 497 |
| 1990s | 1,241 |
| 2000s | 2,446 |
| 2010s | 2,268 |
| 2020s | 878 |
Meaning & origin
Seamus, the Irish form of James, has been recorded in U.S. data since 1957 but saw its greatest use in the 2000s, peaking at rank 1276 in 2008. Since then, it has been falling in popularity, with current usage at 1 in 11,091 boys. The name is most common in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Missouri, reflecting its appeal among Irish-American families. Despite the decline, Seamus remains a distinctive choice that honors Irish heritage.
Seamus is the Irish form of James, which derives from the Hebrew name Yaakov (Jacob). The name came to Ireland via the Norman invasion, where it became established as a distinct Gaelic form. It has been used in Ireland for centuries and remains a classic Irish name, though its popularity in the United States has declined since its peak in the late 2000s.
Where Seamus is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Seamus” around the world
Where Seamus lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
36
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shay, Seamie
Variants: Seumas, Séamus
Sibling names for Seamus
Names that share Seamus's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Bridget, Maeve, Siobhan, Aisling, Caoimhe, Ayleen, Moira, Aoife, Shiela, Treasa, Tresa, Bridgitte, Caitrin, Deirdra, Dierdre, Dineen, Flannery, Jeneen, Aylene, Dierdra, Eilis, Katherleen, Kearney, Pegeen, Finola, Bridie, Brigitt, Shevaun, Shivonne
Brothers: Declan, Finn, Liam, Patrick, Ronan, Coleman, Desmond, Donavon, Nigel, Cormac, Finnigan, Garvin, Hogan, Niall, Colman, Dermot, Donnovan, Gorman, Mannix, Macaulay, Obrien, Breandan, Collan, Desmund, Kermitt
