Declining since 1998, #2,051 for girls today.
Popularity of Shae since 1951
Babies named Shae per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 23 | 0 |
| 1960s | 104 | 7 |
| 1970s | 474 | 146 |
| 1980s | 735 | 230 |
| 1990s | 1,680 | 560 |
| 2000s | 1,451 | 386 |
| 2010s | 993 | 176 |
| 2020s | 605 | 124 |
Meaning & origin
Shae first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1951, but saw its peak popularity in 1998, when it ranked 2051st overall. Since then, its usage has been on a gradual decline. In 2025, the name was given to approximately 1 in 17,470 newborns, placing it well outside the top 1000. Geographically, Shae has been most common in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Ohio, suggesting a concentration in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. The name's Irish roots give it a Celtic flavor that appeals to families seeking a simple, unisex option. Its similarity to the more established Shea and Shay has likely contributed to its modest but steady presence across several decades.
Shae is primarily an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Séaghdha, meaning 'descendant of Séaghdha', where Séaghdha itself means 'admirable' or 'hawk-like'. The name entered use as a given name in the mid-20th century, influenced by the similar name Shea. In modern contexts, it is sometimes used as a feminine variant of Shay or a spelling variant of Shea.
Where Shae is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Shae” around the world
Where Shae lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Shae
Names that share Shae's style, for a brother or sister.
