Shea is a unique and unconventional female given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "Séaghdha," which is an anglicized form of the Gaelic sept name "Ó Séaghdha." This surname originates from the word "séaghdh," meaning "peaceful" or "calm."
The name Shea gained popularity in the United States during the 20th century, particularly after the 1960s. It was often given to girls as a diminutive of names like Sheila and Seana, but it can also stand alone as a beautiful and distinctive first name.
While not extensively recorded throughout history, there are a few notable figures with the name Shea. One such example is Shea Moisture founder Sema Shea, who has made significant contributions to the cosmetics industry. However, there is no widespread historical or mythological significance associated with the name Shea that could be linked to its meaning.
In summary, Shea is a charming and uncommon female given name of Irish origin, derived from an old Gaelic surname meaning "peaceful" or "calm." Although it does not have extensive historical or legendary associations, it has gained popularity in recent decades due to its unique sound and unconventional charm.
The name Shea has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. With only 5 births recorded in 1954, it started as a relatively rare name. However, by 1984, there were 257 babies named Shea, marking a substantial increase in its usage.
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw the peak popularity of the name Shea, with over 200 births each year from 1986 to 1993. The highest point was reached in 1987 with 261 births.
Despite a gradual decline since then, the name Shea has maintained a steady presence. Between 2000 and 2022, there were at least 100 births each year, indicating that it remains a popular choice among parents in the United States.
As of 2022, a total of 8306 babies have been named Shea in the U.S. since records began, making it a well-established and recognizable name.