Seamus

“Seamus is the Irish form of James” — Associated with the biblical figure Jacob

Ireland origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1366US 2023

137Births / yr

↓Falling

7.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 195700.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Seamus

SHAY·mus

/ˈʃeɪ.məs/ · stress on SHAY · 2 syllables

“Seamus is the Irish form of James”

Associated with the biblical figure Jacob · Ireland origin

What does Seamus mean and where does it come from?

Seamus is the Irish form of James. The name has deep roots in Irish culture and is often associated with the biblical figure Jacob, who was known as a supplanter. It's a traditional name in Ireland, and variants exist in other languages, including Santiago and Jacques. Seamus has been used since the

Cultural significance

Seamus has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.

Peak popularity

Reached #735 in 2003 — currently #1366 in the US.

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How else can you spell Seamus?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Shamus

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Seamus?

Seamus works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Seamus Grace

How popular is Seamus right now?

Declining — down 47 spots — currently #1366 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1960–2023#1366 · Top 1.0%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1366	137	▼ down 47 · -4% births
2022	#1319	143	▼ down 96 · -9% births
2021	#1223	158	▼ down 33 · -1% births
2020	#1190	159	▼ down 245 · -28% births
2015	#945	221	▼ down 70 · -8% births
2010	#875	240	▼ down 98 · -6% births
2005	#777	254	▲ up 49 · +31% births
2000	#826	194	▲ up 147 · +49% births
1995	#973	130	▲ up 311 · +73% births
1990	#1284	75	▲ up 47 · +42% births
1985	#1331	53	▲ up 3 · +6% births
1980	#1334	50	▲ up 187 · +43% births
1975	#1521	35	▲ up 671 · +94% births
1970	#2192	18	▼ down 278
1965	#1914	18	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Seamus

Best Year2005Rank #777

Peak Count254

Average Rank#1383

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1960 - 202316 years

The story of Seamus

Seamus entered American naming records in 1957 and has been in use for over 67 years. With 7,091 total births recorded, Seamus remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3065 in 1960 to #1366 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Seamus in 2003:

Jacob Michael Joshua Matthew Andrew

Seamus by decade

Seamus peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →

Decade	Births
1950s	25
1960s	123
1970s	336
1980s	497
1990s	1,241
2000s ★	2,445
2010s	2,265
2020s	159

💎With 7,091 total births, Seamus is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Seamus?

Common

SeaSeamSeamieSeamyAmus

What names sound and feel like Seamus?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Seamus also consider these

Sheamus

Ireland · Variant of James,

French · A French name

Seaman

English · A person who

Delmus

American · Derived from an

Readus

American · A beloved name

Deramus

French · A French name

Common questions about the name Seamus

What does the name Seamus mean?

Seamus means "Irish" — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Seamus?

Seamus is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Seamus?

Seamus originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Seamus?

Seamus is a two-syllable name pronounced SH EY1 M AH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Seamus a common or rare name?

Seamus is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.