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Shay

Boy / Girl name · 936 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Shay: 936 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to both boys and girls, peaking at 71 births in 2012.

Shay is a name with rich Gaelic roots, most commonly derived from the Irish *Séaghdha* meaning “admirable” or “hawk-like,” and it also appears as a short form of the Scottish Gaelic *Seònaid* (a feminine variant of John). In modern use, Shay is a versatile unisex choice, popular across Scotland and beyond. Famous bearers include Irish footballer Shay Given, a legendary Premier League goalkeeper, and Canadian actress Shay Mitchell, known for her role in *Pretty Little Liars*. While there is no major Scottish place named directly after a Shay, the name shares its etymological root with the Irish surname O’Shea, and