MallowbyNames

Seana

SHAW-nuh · God is gracious; a feminine form of Seán, the Irish version of John.

Peak popularity
1969
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 1987

Declining since 1987.

Popularity of Seana since 1955

Babies named Seana per year in U.S. Social Security records.

2141621960198020002020Most births 1969Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1950s34
1960s322
1970s428
1980s382
1990s368
2000s229
2010s105
2020s37

Meaning & origin

Seana is a feminine Irish name that has appeared in U.S. records since 1955. Although it never reached the top ranks, it saw its highest usage in 1969 (peak year). Since 1987, its popularity has been steadily declining, reflecting a broader shift away from mid-century Irish-American favorites. As a variant of Sean, it offers a direct link to the meaning 'God is gracious,' shared with the widely known John. While it has not been concentrated in any particular state, it remains a subtle choice for those seeking an authentic Irish name with a soft, two-syllable sound.

Seana is a feminine form of Seán, which is the Irish Gaelic equivalent of John, ultimately derived from the Hebrew Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious'. It has been used in Ireland since the mid-20th century, occasionally appearing in Irish-American communities. The name reflects a pattern of feminizing traditional Irish male names.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Seanie, Ana

Variants: Shauna, Shawnee, Shawna

Sibling names for Seana

Names that share Seana's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Maura, Cara, Bridget, Kiera, Niamh

Brothers: Declan, Kieran, Liam, Sean, Ronan

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

S is for Seana, our favorite little girl.

S is for Seana…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Seana's letter becomes Seana's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Seana's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Seana mean?
Seana means 'God is gracious', as it is the feminine form of Seán (Irish for John).
How popular is the name Seana?
Seana has never been a top-ranked name. It peaked in 1969 and has been declining in use since 1987.
Is Seana a boy or girl name?
Seana is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.