Shae is a name of Irish origin that means "fairy" or "shadow." It is often spelled with an "i" at the end, making it Shaei, but both versions are commonly used. The name has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique sound and spelling.
In Irish mythology, fairies were believed to be magical beings that could influence the world of humans. They were often portrayed as small, beautiful women with wings who lived in hidden realms called "faery mounds." The name Shae, therefore, carries a sense of enchantment and mystery.
The name has also been used in popular culture. For instance, it was the name of a character in the television series "Heroes," played by actress Kwan Ya. However, its use in these contexts does not detract from its original Irish meaning and origin.
In terms of its history, Shae is relatively new as a given name. It has only started to appear on records in significant numbers since the late 20th century. This could be attributed to its unique sound and spelling, which makes it stand out among traditional Irish names like Aiden, Caitlin, or Emily.
Overall, Shae is an attractive choice for parents looking for a name that combines Irish origin with a modern, unique twist. Its meaning of "fairy" or "shadow" lends it a sense of enchantment and mystery, while its spelling sets it apart from other Irish names. Despite its relative novelty as a given name, Shae's Irish origins provide it with a rich cultural heritage that parents can share with their child as they grow older.
The name Shae has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States, as reflected by the number of births recorded annually.
From 1951 to 1968, there were fewer than 20 births per year with the name Shae. However, starting from 1969, the numbers began to increase significantly. The highest point was reached in 2004 with 177 births, indicating that this period saw the peak popularity of the name.
Following this peak, there was a gradual decline in the number of newborn girls named Shae each year. From 2010 onwards, the annual count has consistently been below 100 births per year, with some years as low as the 70s and 80s.
Despite this decrease in popularity, it is clear that the name Shae still maintains some level of appeal for parents. Between 1951 and 2023, a total of 5883 babies were named Shae at birth in the United States. This figure demonstrates that while the name may not be as popular as it once was, it continues to be a recognizable and chosen option among American parents.