Shamus

“Supplanter”

Irish origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#8805US 2023

9Births / yr

↑Rising

1.7kAll-time births

📅 Since 195900

How to pronounce Shamus

shay-mus

/shay-mus/ · · 2 syllables

“Supplanter”

Irish origin · Boy name

What does Shamus mean and where does it come from?

'Shamus' is derived from the Irish form of the name James, which comes from the Hebrew name Yaakov (Jacob) meaning 'supplanter'. The name has been in usage since the Middle Ages and is common in Ireland. It may be recognized popularly in English-speaking cultures through literature and media, with n

Cultural significance

Shamus has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of supplanter.

Peak popularity

Reached #1166 in 1975 — currently #8805 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Shamus?

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

Shamus Grace

How popular is Shamus right now?

Rising fast — up 3281 spots — currently #8805 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1965–2023#8805 · Top 6.5%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#8805	9	▲ up 3281 · +50% births
2022	#12086	6	▼ down 4591 · -45% births
2021	#7495	11	▲ up 3266 · +83% births
2020	#10761	6	▼ down 5831 · -68% births
2015	#4930	19	▼ down 1898 · -50% births
2010	#3032	38	▼ down 730 · -25% births
2005	#2302	51	▼ down 62 · +16% births
2000	#2240	44	▼ down 234 · +5% births
1995	#2006	42	▲ up 1108 · +110% births
1990	#3114	20	▼ down 440 · +5% births
1985	#2674	19	▼ down 1250 · -58% births
1980	#1424	45	▼ down 258 · -15% births
1975	#1166	53	▲ up 1872 · +382% births
1970	#3038	11	▲ up 1285 · +120% births
1965	#4323	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Shamus

Best Year1975Rank #1166

Peak Count53

Average Rank#4626

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1965 - 202315 years

The story of Shamus

Shamus entered American naming records in 1959 and has been in use for over 65 years. With 1,739 total births recorded, Shamus remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4323 in 1965, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8805 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Shamus in 1975:

Michael Jason Christopher James David

Shamus by decade

Shamus peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1950s	7
1960s	38
1970s	339
1980s	279
1990s	350
2000s ★	500
2010s	220
2020s	6

💎With 1,739 total births, Shamus is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Shamus?

CATALAN

Jaumet

CROATIAN

Jakša

DANISH

IbJeppe

DUTCH

CobusCoosJaapKobeKobusKoosSjakie

Famous people named Shamus

Shamus (Celtic chieftain)

Shamus bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.

Shamus (Irish poet or writer)

Shamus used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.

Shamus (Irish saint)

Shamus helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.

Shamus (Irish poet or writer)

Shamus used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Shamus?

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

Ireland · Variant of James,

Shakur

Arabic · Thankful; appreciative.

Hebrew · Derived from the

Camus

Latin · A Latin name

How is Shamus written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Shamus

What does the name Shamus mean?

Shamus means "Supplanter" — a name rooted in Irish 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 Shamus?

Shamus 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 Shamus?

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

Is Shamus a common or rare name?

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

What are good nicknames for Shamus?

Shamus naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.