Shea
Shea is a unisex name of Irish origin meaning “Admirable, hawk-like”, pronounced SHAY. It ranked #1159 in the United States in 2025, given to 201 babies, and peaked at #698 in 1997. Common nicknames: Shay.
How popular is Shea 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 Shea mean, and where does it come from?
Shea anglicises the Irish surname Ó Séaghdha, from a word usually read as "admirable" or "stately," and sometimes connected to the hawk. New Yorkers know it as a ballpark; the Mets played at Shea Stadium for forty-five years. As a given name it has been in American records since 1950 and entered the top thousand in 1971, used for girls and boys in near-equal numbers ever since — one of the small group of Irish surnames that never picked a side.
Variations & Nicknames
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Nicknames
Famous People Named Shea
- Shea Weber — Canadian ice hockey defenceman and Olympic champion
- Shea Whigham — American actor
- Shea Charles — Northern Irish international footballer
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Sibling Name Ideas for Shea
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Shea mean?
Shea is a unisex name of Irish origin meaning "Admirable, hawk-like." Shea anglicises the Irish surname Ó Séaghdha, from a word usually read as "admirable" or "stately," and sometimes connected to the hawk. New Yorkers know it as a ballpark; the Mets played at Shea Stadium for forty-five years.
How do you pronounce Shea?
Shea is pronounced SHAY. Common variations include Shay, Shaye, Séaghdha.
Is Shea a unisex name?
Yes, Shea is traditionally a unisex name. Popular nicknames include Shay.