About the name
- Origin
- The Irish form of John, from Hebrew Yohanan via Latin Johannes and Norman French Jehan. Introduced to Ireland after the Norman invasion. One of the most common Irish male names. Anglicised as Sean.
- English version
- John, Sean, Shaun, Shawn
- Stronghold region
- All-Ireland
Overview
The Irish form of John, brought to Ireland by the Normans as Jehan and rapidly Gaelicised. The most common Irish male name of the modern era.
The story behind Seán
Brought into Irish via the Normans and absorbed into the Gaelic stock; the everyday Irish form of John.
Mythology & legend
Non-mythological; Gaelic form of John from Norman Jean.
Did you know?
By far the most popular boys' name in Ireland for most of the 20th century.
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