Shay

♀ Girl

Pronounced SHAY /ʃeɪ/High

Meaning: Gift; from Irish Gaelic séaghdha (admirable, fine) or from Hebrew shay (gift)Medium

In 30 seconds: A short Irish name meaning 'admirable' or 'fine,' from the Gaelic Séaghdha, or possibly from Hebrew shay (gift). Its one-syllable crispness makes it both distinctive and easy — used for both boys and girls.

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Origin MediumIrish, Hebrew

MeaningGift; from Irish Gaelic séaghdha (admirable, fine) or from Hebrew shay (gift)

U.S. rank (2024)#1158 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births208 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 8,042

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Shay derives from Irish Gaelic Séaghdha (admirable, fine, goodly), anglicized through the phonetic similarity to English 'shay.' It may also be influenced by the Hebrew shay (gift). As a given name it has been used in both Ireland and the U.S.

Shay has appeared in U.S. birth data from the late 20th century for both sexes. For girls it ranked #1158 in 2024.

Did you know? Shay is one of the anglicizations of the Irish name Séaghdha — a name borne by three medieval Irish kings, making it a royal name hiding in a single accessible syllable.

Overall data confidence 78%

Behind the Name — Shay — Irish Gaelic/Hebrew etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ShaeShea

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Shay…

Shea— the most common spelling variant of the same name

Shae— another spelling variant with the same sound

Shai— Hebrew one-syllable name meaning gift, sharing the same possible Hebrew root

Faye— one-syllable fairy/faith name with the same breezy unisex feel

Bree— one-syllable Irish name with the same crisp Celtic sound

Frequently Asked

What does the name Shay mean?

Shay means 'admirable' or 'fine' from Irish Gaelic Séaghdha, or 'gift' from Hebrew shay.

How do you pronounce Shay?

It's said SHAY — one syllable, rhyming with 'day.'

Is Shay a boy or girl name?

Shay is a unisex name used for both boys and girls.

How popular is Shay?

Shay ranked #1158 for U.S. girls in 2024.