Holding steady.
Popularity of Shey since 1971
Babies named Shey per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 19 | 10 |
| 1980s | 39 | 28 |
| 1990s | 54 | 50 |
| 2000s | 23 | 46 |
| 2010s | 0 | 5 |
| 2020s | 0 | 7 |
Meaning & origin
Shey is a rare and modern-sounding name that first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1975. Its usage peaked in 1991, when it saw its highest frequency, though exact rank data is unavailable due to its rarity. Since then, the name has maintained a stable but low level of use through 2025. As a phonetic respelling of Shay or Shea, Shey carries the subtle charm of an Irish surname while offering a fresh, streamlined look. Its unisex quality adds to its appeal, though it tends slightly toward girls. Because Shey has not been linked to any top states or notable bearers, it remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking something understated.
Shey is likely a respelling of Shay, itself an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Séaghdha, derived from séaghdha meaning 'admirable' or 'hawk-like'. It may also be a modern phonetic variant of Shea or a creative respelling influenced by names like Shae. The name gained modest use in the United States beginning in the 1970s, peaking in 1991.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Shey
Names that share Shey's style, for a brother or sister.
