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Shea

Boy / Girl name · 143 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Shea: 143 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to both boys and girls, peaking at 10 births in 2007.

Shea draws from the Irish surname Ó Séaghdha, meaning "hawk-like" or "admirable," rooted in the Old Irish word *séaghdha*. As a given name, it has become popular for both boys and girls, particularly in the late 20th century. Notably, actor Shea Whigham has brought the name to modern screens, while baseball legend Shea Hillenbrand carries the name into sports. There is no direct place connection, though the name shares its root with the Irish family name O'Shea. A versatile choice, Shea is also a unisex name in the United States and Scotland, often chosen for its soft yet strong sound. It bears no relation to the shea tree, whose name comes from a different linguistic origin.