Meaning, origin, history
Sheridan is a name of Irish origin that has become popular worldwide over the years. It is derived from the Irish surname 'O'Sheridán', which was originally 'Ó Siorgáin'. This surname comes from the Gaelic word 'síor' meaning 'peaceful', and 'gean' meaning 'love'.
The name Sheridan gained prominence during the 18th century when Richard Brinsley Sheridan, an Irish playwright and politician, rose to fame in England. He was known for his wit and humor, and his plays were widely acclaimed during his time.
Prior to Sheridan's success, the name was relatively uncommon. However, after his rise to fame, it began to appear more frequently as a given name for boys. Today, Sheridan is still predominantly used as a male name, but it has also started to be used occasionally for girls in some countries.
In recent years, the name Sheridan has been popularized further by celebrities such as actor Jim Sheridan and singer-songwriter Halsey (whose real name is Ashley Frangipane), who has a song titled "Sheridan" on her album "Badlands".
Despite its Irish roots, Sheridan has become a global name with no particular cultural associations. It has a strong, sophisticated sound that appeals to many parents around the world looking for an uncommon yet memorable name for their child.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Sheridan since 1880
Total births
5,560
Total since 1880
Peak year
2001
305 births
in 2023
25
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-30%
↘
vs previous 5 years