Seán
/ʃɑːn̪ˠ/
The English name Shane is translated into Irish as Seán.
Seán is the Irish masculine given name used to correspond to the name Shane.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃɑːn̪ˠ/
Did you know?
- Because Seán was so common, it became a generic term in some dialects to refer to any ordinary man, similar to how 'Jack' is used in English.
- Seán is a doublet of the name Eoin, meaning both names entered the Irish language separately but originate from the same Hebrew root.
- The spelling Seán uses a acute accent called a 'fada', which changes the vowel sound and is essential for the name's correct pronunciation.
Examples in context
- Seaghán, an raibh tú i mBéal Feirste riamh?Seaghán, have you been to Belfast before?
- Bhí Seán sa siopa.Seán was in the shop.
- An bhfuil Seán anseo?Is Seán here?
Example conversation
Conor and Saoirse are talking about a mutual friend.
- ConorAn bhfuil Seán sa scoil inniu?Is Seán in school today?
- SaoirseNíl sé anseo, tá sé tinn.He is not here, he is sick.
- ConorAn bhfuil a fhios agat cén fás?Do you know why?
- SaoirseTá an flu ag Seán.Seán has the flu.
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.
