Seán
/ʃɑːn̪ˠ/
The Irish name Seán is the equivalent of the English name Sean.
Seán is a male given name.
Meaning: a male given name (name)
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃɑːn̪ˠ/
Did you know?
- The spelling Seán requires a fada, the accent mark over the á, which changes the vowel sound and distinguishes it from the word sean, which means 'old'.
- The name Seán is actually a loanword from French, specifically the Old French form Jehan, rather than being an ancient Gaelic name.
- While Seán is common, the name Seánín is often used as a diminutive or affectionate form, adding a suffix to make it 'little Seán'.
Examples in context
- An bhfuil Seán sa seomra?Is Seán in the room?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a mutual acquaintance in a cafe.
- CathalAn bhfuil Seán anseo?Is Seán here?
- NiamhNíl sé anseo, Cathal.He is not here, Cathal.
- CathalAn bhfuil a fhios agat cá bhfuil sé?Do you know where he is?
- NiamhNíl fios agam, a chara.I don't know, friend.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Seán, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Seán, CC BY-SA 4.0.
