Irish Girls First Names that Start with S

Quite a lot of the girls’ names in this list have the same meaning – ‘God is gracious’. This makes them strong options for Christian households.

⭐ Our Favourite: Sibéal

Pronunciation: shi-BAYL
First Used: Medieval Ireland, linked to the Norman invasion.
Meaning: The Irish form of Sybil, meaning “prophetess” or “oracle.” It carries a sense of mystery and wisdom, rooted in ancient traditions.
Why It’s Our Favourite: Sibéal is both rare and rich in history, evoking images of Irish seers and storytellers. Its musical quality and ties to the haunting vocals of Sibéal Ní Chasaide make it a truly enchanting name.

🌟 Sarah (Sorcha)

Pronunciation: SUR-kha
Meaning: A radiant name meaning “brightness” or “clarity,” Sorcha has deep Gaelic roots and was used in medieval Ireland. Though Sarah is more common internationally, Sorcha remains a beloved Irish classic, famously borne by writer Sorcha Ní Ghuairim.

🕊️ Saoirse

Pronunciation: SEER-sha
Meaning: Meaning “freedom” in Irish, Saoirse symbolizes Ireland’s long struggle for independence. The name gained popularity in the 20th century and is now well known worldwide, partly thanks to actress Saoirse Ronan.

🌊 Shannon (Seanán)

Pronunciation: SHAN-un
Meaning: Derived from the River Shannon, Ireland’s longest river, the name comes from “Seanán,” meaning “little wise one.” St. Seanán was a 6th-century Irish saint associated with Scattery Island.

🌺 Siobhán

Pronunciation: shi-VAWN
Meaning: A timeless Irish name meaning “God is gracious,” Siobhán is the Irish form of Joan. Popular since medieval times, it was used by Gaelic nobility and remains a staple in Ireland today.

🎶 Sinéad

Pronunciation: shi-NAYD
Meaning: A poetic Irish form of Jane, meaning “God is gracious.” This name became iconic through singer Sinéad O’Connor, whose powerful voice and activism left a lasting impact.

🌄 Shauna (Seána)

Pronunciation: SHAW-na
Meaning: The feminine form of Seán, meaning “God is gracious,” Shauna emerged in the 20th century as a modern yet distinctly Irish choice. It remains a popular name, blending tradition with a contemporary feel.

💎 Shavonne (Siobhán)

Pronunciation: sha-VON
Meaning: A phonetic variant of Siobhán, Shavonne brings an Irish twist to international naming trends. With its roots in Joan, this name carries a sense of timeless elegance.

🌸 Siún

Pronunciation: SHOON
Meaning: A charming variation of Siobhán, Siún is a rare yet beautiful Irish name. It has a soft, lyrical sound and retains the same meaning—”God is gracious”—while offering a distinctive alternative.

Irish Boys First Names that Start with S

Similar to the girls names, the boys names are also focused quite a lot on Christianity. For example, Somhairle is a great name that translates to ‘God has heard’. 

⭐ Our Favourite: Sheridan (Sirideán)

Pronunciation: SHER-uh-dan
First Used: Medieval Ireland
Meaning: Meaning “wild man” or “searcher,” Sheridan comes from an old Gaelic surname tied to warriors and poets. It carries a bold, adventurous spirit.
Why It’s Our Favourite: A rare first name with deep roots, Sheridan blends creativity with strength. Its literary ties to playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan and its rugged Gaelic origins make it both sophisticated and daring—an unforgettable choice.

⚓ Samuel (Somhairle)

Pronunciation: SAM-yoo-uhl
Meaning: A name of Hebrew origin meaning “God has heard,” Samuel became popular in Ireland through Viking influence, particularly from the Norse name Somhairle. It has been used in Ireland since medieval times, with figures like Somhairle MacGill-Eain, a Gaelic poet, keeping the name alive.

🍀 Sean (Seán)

Pronunciation: SHAWN
Meaning: The Irish equivalent of John, meaning “God is gracious.” Used in Ireland for centuries, it was notably borne by Seán Mac Diarmada, a leader in the 1916 Easter Rising. The name remains one of the most popular in Ireland, symbolizing strength and resilience.

🏹 Stephen (Stiofán)

Pronunciation: STEE-vuhn
Meaning: Derived from the Greek “Stephanos,” meaning “crown” or “garland,” Stiofán has been used in Ireland since the Middle Ages. St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, gives the name historical weight, while Stephen Roche, the Irish cyclist, brings modern fame.

🌊 Shane (Seán)

Pronunciation: SHAYN
Meaning: A popular anglicized version of Seán, Shane gained prominence through Shane O’Neill, a rebellious 16th-century Irish chieftain. The name suggests leadership and defiance, maintaining its strong presence in Irish history and culture.

🦅 Simon (Síomón)

Pronunciation: SIE-muhn
Meaning: Of Hebrew origin meaning “he has heard,” Simon is linked to biblical apostles and saints. In Ireland, Síomón appears in early Christian records. Today, figures like Simon Harris, an Irish politician, keep the name relevant in modern Ireland.

🎭 Seamus (Séamus)

Pronunciation: SHAY-mus
Meaning: The Irish form of James, Séamus means “supplanter.” It gained literary fame through poet Seamus Heaney, whose work is celebrated worldwide. The name carries an intellectual and poetic legacy in Irish culture.

🦊 Sullivan (Súileabhán)

Pronunciation: SUH-lih-vuhn
Meaning: A surname-turned-first-name meaning “dark-eyed one,” Sullivan originates from a powerful Munster clan. Historically a noble name, it has gained popularity as a first name in modern Ireland and beyond.

🌿 Shannon (Seanán)

Pronunciation: SHAN-uhn
Meaning: Derived from the River Shannon, Ireland’s longest river, the name symbolizes strength and endurance. Seanán, meaning “little wise one,” was also the name of an early Irish saint, reinforcing its deep spiritual roots.

🏆 Stefan (Stiofán)

Pronunciation: STEF-uhn
Meaning: A variation of Stephen, meaning “crowned one.” Stefan has been used in Ireland through Norman influence and remains a global favorite. Irish tennis player Stefan Deschamps brought the name into sports recognition.

🔥 Shay (Sé)

Pronunciation: SHAY
Meaning: A short and modern form of Séaghdha, meaning “esteemed” or “majestic.” Once a rare Gaelic name, Shay has gained popularity in Ireland and beyond. It carries a sense of strength and pride, often associated with warriors and leaders in ancient Irish history.

Even though there aren’t a huge amount of Irish names that start with S, we hope you found some good options. We have a list of Irish last names that start with S as well as a number of other lists on Irish names.