Holding steady, #1,150 for girls today.
Popularity of Shea since 1950
Babies named Shea per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 64 | 25 |
| 1960s | 292 | 193 |
| 1970s | 1,277 | 902 |
| 1980s | 1,832 | 1,929 |
| 1990s | 2,747 | 1,758 |
| 2000s | 3,056 | 1,802 |
| 2010s | 1,954 | 1,179 |
| 2020s | 1,343 | 749 |
Meaning & origin
Shea, originating as an Irish surname, has become a unisex given name in the United States. First recorded as a first name in 1950, it saw its highest popularity in 2005, when it ranked highest nationally. In 2025, Shea ranks 1150 and is given to roughly 1 in 7996 newborns, reflecting steady, modest use. The name is most common in states like Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey, suggesting a concentration in the Northeast. Its Irish heritage and simple, modern sound appeal to parents seeking a name with cultural depth and a unisex quality.
Shea derives from the Irish surname Ó Séaghdha, meaning 'descendant of Séaghdha,' a personal name meaning 'admirable' or 'hawk-like.' It was anglicized as O'Shea and later shortened to Shea. Originally a surname, it gained use as a given name in the 20th century, first for boys and later for girls as well.
Where Shea 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.
“Shea” around the world
Where Shea lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
43
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Shay
Sibling names for Shea
Names that share Shea's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Shea
Names whose popularity has moved with Shea's over the last 50 years.
