Active discussions

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Seamus

47 replies

Batmanandrobin123 · 15/12/2019 13:18

I started a thread about Jesse recently which is my favourite name without a doubt. My DH has said he would go with it but I can just tell he doesn't really like it and thinks it's girly so we are still discussing names. I want us to both be happy!

His favourite all time name is Seamus (he is Irish) he said we can use Shay as a nickname or Seami for a baby.
James is a family name on both sides which is also a nice link (Seamus is Irish for James for those that aren't aware)
I like it and think Shay is cool for a teenager and Seamus is cute and also a solid adult name.
I just wondered how it would be perceived in the UK? I'm familiar with it due to DH but is it seen as an old irish man name to most people? Does it go with Rory?
I can see Shay is a commonly used name in Ireland but no sign of Seamus in the top 100 which makes me think it's out of fashion even in Ireland!
Opinions welcome!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
MrsBertBibby · 15/12/2019 13:21

Seamus is great.

Sharpkat · 15/12/2019 13:22

Love it and had I ever had kids I would definitely have had a Seamus. Go for it!

DramaAlpaca · 15/12/2019 13:26

It's very out of fashion in Ireland. I know loads, but none under 50. I've seen it used as a middle name a few times, to honour older relatives.

I prefer Shay, which is great & goes well with Rory.

EBearhug · 15/12/2019 13:26

I knew a Seamus when I was a child (in England,) whom I first knew as a name on Christmas cards.

There is still part of me which is a bit disappointed that he is Shay-muss, not Sea-mouse...

I might vaguely wonder if parents had some Irish ancestry, but not to the point of asking. It's a nice name, even if Sea-mouse is better. Wink

PhoebeFriends · 15/12/2019 13:29

It’s a lovely name and goes well with Rory, love them both,

MonsterChopz · 15/12/2019 13:30

Love it. I know one who's 4 and a very cool wee boy!

Margotshypotheticaldog · 15/12/2019 13:31

I think seamus is actually making a slow comeback in Ireland. None under 50 means it's due a resurgence.
I've recently met a couple of baby Marthas, Agnes, and even a baby Biddy. (full name, short for nothing)
Just don't go for Fionn, Ireland is currently over resourced in the Fionn and sadhbh department.

DramaAlpaca · 15/12/2019 13:32

Sea-mouse Grin Love it.

Margotshypotheticaldog · 15/12/2019 13:32

I love seamus BTW, Famous Seamus is awesome.

icklekid · 15/12/2019 13:32

I taught a 6 year old Seamus who wasn’t Irish but was a lovely little boy!

hereiamagain84 · 15/12/2019 13:34

I know a few men in their 30s called Seamus and a few younger called Shea (shay) I’m irish too. It’s a nice wee name I think

DamnitCharlie · 15/12/2019 13:35

Love it! In England and my only reference for it is Seamus Heaney, haven't met anyone with the name but I like it, go for it.

Original poster
Batmanandrobin123 · 15/12/2019 13:35

@DramaAlpaca that's interesting. Maybe Seamus known mostly as Shay could work. That way when we go over to Ireland he can just be called Shay but it gives more options. I do love the idea of a big chubby cheeked curly haired baby Seamus.
I doubt we will ever live there but I don't want his whole family thinking it's an odd choice. Dh doesn't seem to care and just keeps chanting Seamus Seamus Grin but he's lived in the UK for 18 years so has no sense of fashion over there.

OP posts:
Original poster
Batmanandrobin123 · 15/12/2019 13:37

Wow lots of positive responses Smile

OP posts:
Peachbubble · 15/12/2019 14:58

I like it too

Winterdaysarehere · 15/12/2019 15:00

My ds 11 is Shay. He always says he should have been Seamus with Shay for a nn!!

Omashu · 15/12/2019 16:01

One of my favourite names is Shay and I think Seamus is lovely 😁

eggandonion · 15/12/2019 16:07

My neighbour in Ireland is Seamus, he is ten and lovely. His sister is Catriona if you're ever looking for a matching girl name!

AnFiadhRuaRua · 15/12/2019 16:08

I like it. Older men in Ireland seem to go interchangeably between James and Seamus. I like the nn Shay as well.

IWorkAtTheCheesecakeFactory · 15/12/2019 16:15

Love it!

DoesntLeftoverTurkeySoupDragOn · 15/12/2019 16:27

I like it too.

daisypond · 15/12/2019 16:30

I like it

Cillmantain · 15/12/2019 16:36

Love it.

AlwaysOnAbloodyDiet · 15/12/2019 16:40

It's a beautiful name, for so many reasons. It reminds me of the great poet, Seamus Heaney and his beautiful poetry

Just one thing though - shouldn't it be Séamus? Otherwise, I read it as Sea-mus.
Hopefully someone who is fully fluent will come along and clarify. Seamus Heaney is showing up in google, without the fada Xmas Confused

AlwaysOnAbloodyDiet · 15/12/2019 16:48

Off topic and not necessarily directed at you OP, I've seen it on many threads on here.... I don't understand why people are so bothered by a name being old-fashioned or not. Surely people don't choose a name because it's trendy or popular - you choose the one you like?

My son's name is one that's probably considered to be a 'man over 40' name. People, including the midwives would look surprised and ask if it was a family name (it wasn't) or if I was religious Confused just because he wasn't another 'top 10 name'

It's a great name, and I agree with you that it's solid

Swipe left for the next trending thread