Beautifully simple Irish name for boys meaning 'gift' that's easy to pronounce

2023 saw a growth in popularity in a number of Irish names for parents both in Ireland and the US. Last year, a number of Irish names for boys were particularly popular.

In Ireland, many of the top baby names for boys in 2023 were ones that come from the Irish language . While some might be difficult to understand and pronounce for those who don't speak Gaeilge , there are others that have simplified spellings, making it easy for any English speaker to decipher .

Among the top 100 baby names for boys born in Ireland last year is Shay . While it looks like a simple name for anyone who understands the English language, its origins are much more complicated and embedded in the Irish language.

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Shay was at the number 53 spot on the list of most popular baby boy names in Ireland last year. It was tied at that spot with the name Danny, each being given to 109 babies in the country in 2023.

Although Shay looks like a short and simple name , there is quite a story behind it. Shay is believed to mean 'gift'. It could also mean 'admirable' or 'fortunate'.

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Shay is one of the many Irish first names that actually comes from an old Irish surname . Shay is a variation of the name Shea (pronounced the same) which originates from the clan name Ó Séaghdha.

Fun fact: this is also where the name Seamus comes from, making that another variation of Shea. However, that is a name that you might hear in Ireland but not in the US .

Among the most popular baby names for boys born in Ireland last year include Oisín, Rían, and Tadgh. Meanwhile, an Irish name topped the 2023 list in the US .

Once again, Liam was the most popular name in the US for baby boys born in the country in 2023. Other Irish names that proved popular for American parents include Aiden, Owen, and Gael.

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