The first name Seamus

In 2025, 17 boys were named Seamus, making it the 1,538th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 2007, with 45 births (#638).

Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Seamus with other names.

In 2025, 154 boys born in the United States were named Seamus, the 1,280th most popular boys’ name that year. It was used most in 2008, when 298 were.

US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.

Nicknames for Seamus

• Shay
• Seamie

• Seamus Dever
  American actor, born 1976
• Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick
  American actor, born 1998
• Seamus Blake
  Canadian jazz saxophonist, born 1970
• Peter O'Toole
  British-Irish actor (1932–2013)
• Tomás Ó Fiaich
  Catholic cardinal (1923–1990)

• Oscar
• Liam
• Aiden
• Carter
• Kevin
• Connor
• Brian
• Finn
• Sean
• Nolan
• Aidan
• Kian
• Ayden
• Declan
• Bryan
• Neil

All 142 names of Irish origin

What does the name Seamus mean?

Seamus means “james” in Irish.

What is the origin of the name Seamus?

Anglicization of Irish Séamas (“James”), itself from English James.

How popular is the name Seamus?

In 2025, 17 boys born in England and Wales were named Seamus, ranking 1,538th. Its peak was 2007, with 45 births.

What are nicknames for Seamus?

Common nicknames for Seamus include Shay, Seamie.

Is Seamus a boy's or a girl's name?

Mostly a boy's name: 100% of the 7,809 US babies named Seamus since 1880 were boys.

When was Seamus most popular?

2008 in the United States, when 298 babies were named Seamus, its highest rank at 753rd.

How do you pronounce Seamus?

Seamus is /ˈʃeɪməs/, 2 syllables.

What are other spellings of Seamus?

Shamus.