Shea is an Irish surname that originated from the Gaelic O'Seaghdha, which means descendant of Seaghdha. Seaghdha is a personal name that means hawk or eagle. Shea is also a variant of the name Shay, which is derived from the Hebrew name Shai, meaning gift. Shea is a unisex name, but it is more commonly given to boys. Shea has been a popular name in Ireland for centuries and has been associated with several notable figures, including Shea O'Rourke, a 14th-century Irish chieftain, and Shea Macleod, a 16th-century Scottish clan leader. Shea has also been used as a shortened form of the name Sheldon, which is of Old English origin and means hillside valley. In North America, the name Shea gained popularity in the late 19th century, particularly in the United States, where it was often used as a shortened form of the name Shaun or Shawn. Shea is also a place name, referring to a location in County Cork, Ireland, and to several places in the United States, including Shea, Montana, and Shea, North Carolina. Shea has been associated with several fictional characters, including Shea McNamara, a character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, and Shea Andrews, a character from the American TV series Sons of Anarchy. Shea has a strong, masculine sound and is often associated with qualities such as strength, courage, and leadership.

The root form of Shea is Shea — meaning Worth Admiring.

Shea remains a beloved choice, ranking #167 in the US. Timeless appeal across cultures and generations.