Shane

♀ Girl

Pronounced SHAYN /ˈʃeɪn/High

Meaning: Shane is an anglicized spelling of the Irish Sean, itself the Irish form of John, from Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious.' It is strongly a boys' name in the U.S.; girls' use is rare, and we flag the lean honestly.Medium

In 30 seconds: One firm beat: Shane is the Irish John, 'God is gracious' (said 'SHAYN'). It is strongly a boy's name — we note the lean.

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Origin MediumIrish, Hebrew

MeaningShane is an anglicized spelling of the Irish Sean, itself the Irish form of John, from Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious.' It is strongly a boys' name in the U.S.; girls' use is rare, and we flag the lean honestly.

U.S. rank (2024)#13216 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1973

Total births (all-time)≈ 3,583

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Shane is an anglicized spelling of Sean, the Irish form of John (Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious'), reflecting the Ulster pronunciation. The 1953 film Shane lifted it into wide American use. It has always been strongly a boys' name; girls' use exists but is rare, and we flag that honestly (said 'SHAYN').

For girls it is rare in the U.S., against far heavier boys' use. Rare for girls, Irish, and crisp.

Did you know? Shane is how the Ulster pronunciation of Sean was written down in English — and the 1953 Western Shane made it a household name. It leans strongly to boys, which we note.

Overall data confidence 60%

References — Shane — Anglicized Sean (Irish John); Hebrew Yochanan; strong boy-lean

Variations

ShayneShanaSean

Nicknames

ShayShanieSha

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Shane…

Shayne— the softer spelling of the same name

Shana— the usual feminine form

Shea— a like Irish one-beat pick

Sloane— a similar crisp unisex-leaning choice

Explore names like Shane

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Shane mean?

Shane anglicizes Sean, the Irish form of John — from Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious.'

How do you pronounce Shane?

It's said SHAYN /ˈʃeɪn/ — one syllable.

Is Shane a boy or girl name?

Shane is strongly a boy's name; girls' use is rare, which we note. Shana or Shayna are the usual feminine forms.

How popular is Shane?

Shane is a familiar boys' name in the U.S.; for girls it is rare.