Sean
Meaning: Commanding and clear, a name of presence
Origin: Irish
Gender: Boy
Rank in Ireland: #8
Total births: 30,691
History: Seán is the Irish form of John, arriving via Norman French 'Jehan' and thoroughly Gaelicised over centuries. It is perhaps the most distinctly Irish name in the English-speaking world, borne by Seán O'Casey, the great Dublin playwright of Juno and the Paycock. Seán Lemass served as Taoiseach and modernised Ireland's economy in the 1960s. The name carries the síneadh fada accent mark, a hallmark of Irish orthography treasured by native speakers.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Ireland’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2025) | #141 |
| Babies named Sean in 2025 | 38 |
| Total recorded in Ireland | 30,691 |
| Peak year | 2006 (994 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #1 |
| Years in records | 1964–2025 (62 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 53 spots |
Frequently asked about Sean
What does the name Sean mean?
Sean means “Commanding and clear, a name of presence” from Irish roots.
What is the origin of the name Sean?
Sean has Irish origin. The traditional meaning is “Commanding and clear, a name of presence”.
How popular is Sean in Ireland?
Sean ranked #141 in Ireland in 2025 — given to 38 babies that year.
When was Sean most popular?
Sean peaked in 2006 with 994 babies registered that year in Ireland.
Is Sean a boy or girl name?
Sean is predominantly a boys' name in Ireland — over 90% of Seans in registered births are male.
Is the name Sean rising or falling in popularity?
Sean has fallen 53 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Ireland — from #88 in 2020 to #141 in 2025.
How long has Sean been recorded in Ireland?
Sean appears in birth records in Ireland across 62 years — from 1964 through 2025.