Sean
Sean is a boy name of Irish origin meaning “God is gracious”, pronounced SHAWN. It ranked #489 in the United States in 2025, given to 616 babies, and peaked at #33 in 1972. Common nicknames: Seanie.
How popular is Sean in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Sean mean, and where does it come from?
Sean is the anglicized spelling of the Irish name Seán, itself derived from the Old French Jehan, ultimately from the Hebrew Yohanan meaning "God is gracious." It is essentially the Irish form of John, sharing its meaning while carrying a distinctly Gaelic sound and spelling. Sean rose to international prominence largely through the legendary Scottish actor Sean Connery, the original James Bond. The name has remained a steady, well-loved classic across the English-speaking world for decades.
How is Sean used around the world?
Sean is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 46+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Sean?
Famous People Named Sean
- Sean Connery — Scottish actor, the original James Bond
- Sean Penn — American actor and director
- Sean Combs — American rapper and music producer known as Diddy
Similar Names to Sean
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Sibling Name Ideas for Sean
Looking for names that pair well with Sean? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Sean mean?
Sean is a boy name of Irish origin meaning "God is gracious." Sean is the anglicized spelling of the Irish name Seán, itself derived from the Old French Jehan, ultimately from the Hebrew Yohanan meaning "God is gracious." It is essentially the Irish form of John, sharing its meaning while carrying a distinctly Gaelic sound and spelling.
How do you pronounce Sean?
Sean is pronounced SHAWN. Common variations include Shawn, Shaun, Séan.
Is Sean a boy name?
Yes, Sean is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Seanie.