Sean
Sean first appears in US records in 1925. It peaked in 1990, when 12,018 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 616.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Sean popular?
Declining Sean is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1990 peak.
| 2020s | 4,766 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 21,540 | |
| 2000s | 64,133 | |
| 1990s | 92,003 | |
| 1980s | 103,870 | |
| 1970s | 83,819 | |
| 1960s | 47,282 | |
| 1950s | 5,452 | |
| 1940s | 659 | |
| 1930s | 101 | |
| 1920s | 12 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Sean mean?
The Irish form of John (Seán), borrowed from Norman-French Jehan, ultimately from Hebrew 'Yochanan' meaning 'God is gracious.' Anglicised variants include Shawn and Shaun.
Variants & spellings
- Shaun
- Shawn
- Seán
Names like Sean
irish names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Sean
Popular irish names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Sean
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Sean mean?
Sean means God is gracious. The Irish form of John (Seán), borrowed from Norman-French Jehan, ultimately from Hebrew 'Yochanan' meaning 'God is gracious.' Anglicised variants include Shawn and Shaun.
What is the origin of the name Sean?
Sean is of irish origin.
How do you pronounce Sean?
Sean is pronounced “SHAWN.”
Is Sean a boy or a girl name?
Sean is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Sean a popular name right now?
Sean is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1990 peak.
How popular is the name Sean?
In 2025, Sean ranked #489 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Sean most popular?
Sean was most popular in 1990, when about 12,018 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Sean?
Names similar to Sean include Aidan, Connor, Aiden, Nolan, Rowan.
What names go well with Sean?
irish names that pair well with Sean include Ryan, Liam, Aiden, Aidan, Connor.