Declining since 1987, #635 for boys today.
Popularity of Shane since 1933
Babies named Shane per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 36 |
| 1940s | 159 |
| 1950s | 2,589 |
| 1960s | 13,923 |
| 1970s | 50,279 |
| 1980s | 43,169 |
| 1990s | 40,598 |
| 2000s | 26,129 |
| 2010s | 12,510 |
| 2020s | 3,191 |
Meaning & origin
Shane first entered U.S. records in 1933 and rose to peak popularity in 1973, ranking as the 88th most popular name that year. Since 1987, its use has steadily declined; in 2025 it ranked 635th with approximately 1 in 3,891 boys receiving the name. The name has maintained a consistent presence, particularly popular in Connecticut, New York, and Arkansas. As an anglicization of the Irish Sean, Shane carries a straightforward sound and spelling that has appealed to parents seeking a strong, simple name with Celtic roots.
Shane is an anglicized form of the Irish name Séan, itself derived from the Norman French Jehan via the Latin Ioannes, ultimately from the Hebrew Yohanan meaning 'God is gracious.' The name became common in Ireland after the Norman invasion and spread to English-speaking countries, particularly in the 20th century.
Where Shane 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.
“Shane” around the world
Where Shane lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
34
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shay
Sibling names for Shane
Names that share Shane's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Erin, Megan, Caitlin, Bridget, Siobhan, Brandi, Jamie, Diamond, Jena, Shania, Shantel, Tawni, Wendi, Kylene, Ranae, Randa, Shalon, Shandi, Sharae, Stacee, Symone, Chera, Delisha, Dezeray, Mc, Mysti, Nesha, Sha, Shada, Shalane, Shalina, Shandy, Shanea, Shaney, Shanie, Sharlee, Sharna, Shelina, Sherina, Shianna, Sugey, Tammra, Tarryn, Tawney, Chelle, Crystalynn, Denica, Janeal, Salinda, Shalese, Shaneen, Shanina, Tyshay, Chanee, Shaneil, Shimika, Tonee, Brendi, Ciin, Cyndel, Deidrea, Keelia, Sadonna, Shadaya, Shainna, Shalae, Shaliah, Shandee, Shandel, Shanira, Shantana, Shatarra, Shellsea, Shevelle, Taneal, Trana, Tyshea
Brothers: Kevin, Patrick, Brian, Sean, Ryan, Cory, Scott, Brennan, Daulton, Dwan, Kipp, Oneal, Oneil, Terrill, Cheyne, Derrian, Dillian, Kimble, Marque, Sharan, Chaise, Obryan, Rein, Shawon, Tan, Corrigan, Jerame, Schon
Names like Shane
Names whose popularity has moved with Shane's over the last 50 years.
