Seamus
Anglicization of Irish Séamas (“James”), itself from English James.
Every Seamus since 1957 — 7,809 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Seamus
Seamus is uncommon for boys in the United States, ranked #1,280 in 2025 with 154 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1957, 7,809 American babies have been named Seamus. Its peak came in 2008, when 298 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2000s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Seamus stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Seamus year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 154 | #1,280 |
| 2024 | 125 | #1,457 |
| 2023 | 137 | #1,366 |
| 2022 | 143 | #1,319 |
| 2021 | 158 | #1,223 |
| 2020 | 161 | #1,195 |
| 2019 | 197 | #1,046 |
| 2018 | 178 | #1,106 |
| 2017 | 211 | #979 |
| 2016 | 218 | #953 |
| 2015 | 221 | #946 |
| 2014 | 239 | #903 |
| 2013 | 247 | #864 |
| 2012 | 259 | #838 |
| 2011 | 258 | #837 |
| 2010 | 240 | #875 |
| 2009 | 276 | #808 |
| 2008 | 298 | #753 |
| 2007 | 296 | #752 |
| 2006 | 244 | #833 |
| 2005 | 254 | #776 |
| 2004 | 233 | #782 |
| 2003 | 248 | #735 |
| 2002 | 215 | #802 |
| 2001 | 188 | #857 |
| 2000 | 194 | #828 |
| 1995 | 130 | #977 |
| 1990 | 75 | #1,285 |
| 1985 | 54 | #1,316 |
| 1980 | 50 | #1,338 |
| 1975 | 36 | #1,498 |
| 1970 | 17 | #2,277 |
| 1965 | 18 | #1,907 |
| 1960 | 9 | #3,042 |
| 1955 | — | — |
| 1950 | — | — |
| 1945 | — | — |
| 1940 | — | — |
| 1935 | — | — |
| 1930 | — | — |
| 1925 | — | — |
| 1920 | — | — |
| 1915 | — | — |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — |
Famous people named Seamus
- Seamus Heaney Writer · 1939–2013
- Seamus Dever Actor · b. 1976
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Seamus mean?
Anglicization of Irish Séamas (“James”), itself from English James.
How popular is the name Seamus in 2025?
Seamus ranked #1,280 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 154 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Seamus?
7,809 babies have been named Seamus in the United States since 1957, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Seamus most popular?
Seamus peaked in 2008, when 298 newborns received the name.
Is Seamus a boy or girl name?
Seamus is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Seamus rising or falling?
Seamus is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Seamus?
Well-known people named Seamus include Seamus Heaney (writer), Seamus Dever (actor).