Shamus Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Shamus is derived from the Irish form of James, which traces back to the Hebrew name Yaakov, meaning 'supplanter'. The name has evolved through various languages and forms, including Latin and Old French. It gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly within Irish communities. Shamus is often seen as a warm and friendly name, with notable figures contributing to its recognition.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Shamus"
Pronunciation
/ˈʃeɪməs/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Shamus is derived from the Irish form of James, which itself comes from the Hebrew name Yaakov (Jacob), meaning 'supplanter' or 'one who follows'.
Meaning
supplanter
Language Evolution
Yaakov (Hebrew), Iacomus (Latin), Jacobus (Latin), James (Old French), Seamus (Irish), Shamus (Anglicized form)
Historical Usage
Shamus gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly among those of Irish descent, as a distinctive form of James.
Variants & Derivatives
Seamus, James, Jim, Jamie
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Shamus is perceived as a traditional and cultural name with Irish roots, often associated with a friendly and approachable personality.
Famous People
Shamus O'Brien (Irish writer), Shamus Heaney (Nobel Prize-winning poet)
📊 Shamus Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Shamus Name Visualizations
✨ Shamus Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 72 peak births in 2007
Geographic Spread
Popular across 9 US states, with strongest presence in Massachusetts
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Shamus"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Shamus"
"Shamus" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 7067th of 7552 | 7 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1752nd of 10718 | 422 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2260th of 16616 | 461 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2473rd of 24088 | 725 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 6521st of 23106 | 153 |
Regional Popularity of "Shamus" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
60.98% 1791st/2937 |
36.75% 1280th/3483 |
64.38% 2265th/3518 |
50.91% 2059th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
36.87% 1650th/4475 |
59.30% 3080th/5194 |
63.94% 4039th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
68.16% 3123rd/4582 |
28.95% 1495th/5164 |
- |
42.22% 3151st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Shamus" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Shamus"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Shamus" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Shamus" in the United States
The name Shamus is most popular in Massachusetts, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Shamus has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Shamus' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 7067th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1752nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2260th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2473rd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 6521st out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Shamus' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.