What does Sheridan mean and where does it come from?
Sheridan is derived from the Irish surname 'O'Searradhain,' which translates to 'descendant of Searradh,' meaning 'spear' or 'bold.' The name has been used for both genders but is increasingly feminine in contemporary settings. The name gained popularity in the United States during the 20th century
Cultural significance
Sheridan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of spear, bold.
Peak popularity
Reached #778 in 2001 — currently #5375 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Sheridan?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Sheridan?
Sheridan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Sheridan Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Sheridan John
One syllable · timeless choice
Sheridan Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Sheridan Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Sheridan Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Sheridan Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Sheridan right now?
Rising fast — up 753 spots — currently #5375 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #5375 | 24 | ▲ up 753 · +20% births |
| 2024 | #6128 | 20 | ▼ down 896 · -20% births |
| 2023 | #5232 | 25 | ▲ up 1194 · +32% births |
| 2022 | #6426 | 19 | ▲ up 1544 · +36% births |
| 2021 | #7970 | 14 | ▼ down 1388 · -18% births |
| 2020 | #6582 | 17 | ▼ down 2355 · -50% births |
| 2015 | #4227 | 34 | ▼ down 1448 · -46% births |
| 2010 | #2779 | 63 | ▼ down 1381 · -59% births |
| 2005 | #1398 | 153 | ▼ down 556 · -42% births |
| 2000 | #842 | 264 | ▲ up 209 · +54% births |
| 1995 | #1051 | 171 | ▲ up 637 · +97% births |
| 1990 | #1688 | 87 | ▲ up 923 · +135% births |
| 1985 | #2611 | 37 | ▲ up 46 · +6% births |
| 1980 | #2657 | 35 | ▲ up 164 · +35% births |
| 1975 | #2821 | 26 | — |
The story of Sheridan
Sheridan entered American naming records in 1928 and has been in use for over 96 years. With 8,230 total births recorded, Sheridan remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1619 in 1940, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #5232 in 2023. Sheridan is used for both genders: 67% female and 33% male.
Names that peaked alongside Sheridan in 2001:
Sheridan by decade
Sheridan peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 40 | |
| 1900s | 22 | |
| 1910s | 170 | |
| 1920s | 305 | |
| 1930s | 335 | |
| 1940s | 854 | |
| 1950s | 485 | |
| 1960s | 459 | |
| 1970s | 551 | |
| 1980s | 613 | |
| 1990s ★ | 2,052 | |
| 2000s | 1,900 | |
| 2010s | 422 | |
| 2020s | 74 | |
💎With 8,230 total births, Sheridan is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Sheridan?
Common
SheSherSherieSheryIdan
What names sound and feel like Sheridan?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sheridan also consider these
Common questions about the name Sheridan
What does the name Sheridan mean?
Sheridan means "spear, bold" — 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 Sheridan?
Sheridan is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Sheridan have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Sheridan?
Sheridan 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 Sheridan?
Sheridan is a three-syllable name pronounced SHER-id-un. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Sheridan?
Sheridan pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Ireland heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.