Sean is a traditionally masculine Irish name meaning "gracious" or "gift from God."
Names with similar meanings include Jack, John, Gianni, Ian, Evan, Juan, Ivan (all meaning "gracious") as well as Adiel, Anana, Corbon, Donato, Dorek, Elsi, Gaddiel, Hanniel, Jeremiah, Jonathan, Matteo, Thaddeus, and Zebediah (all meaning "gift from god"). Other popular short(ish) Irish names for boys include Ryan, Shannon, Brian, Liam, James, Kevin, Patrick, Sam, Kerry, Casey, or Pat. Or stick with the 'S' sound and Sean's variations: Shawn, Seamus, Shaun, Chone, Shawon, LeShawn, DeSean, or Shawne.
Popularity-wise, in the United States Sean has only been the #1 name for boys once: In 1986. However, it's been in the top 100 47 times. It was relatively uncommon in the States until the 1950s and rose to fame in the '60s before that 1986 peak, after which it never quite recovered.
Famous Seans in history and pop culture include: the cartoonist Sean (born John Klamik); musicians Sean Lennon and Sean Bonniwell; playwright Sean O'Casey; author Sean Beaudoin; actors Sean Connery, Sean Penn, Sean Bean, and Sean Astin; TV producer Sean Bailey; and of course rapper Sean 'Puffy' Combs.
Sean in quotes:
“Laughter is wine for the soul — laughter soft, or loud and deep, tinged through with seriousness — the hilarious declaration made by man that life is worth living.”
― Sean O'Casey
“Love may not make the world go round, but I must admit that it makes the ride worthwhile.” — Sean Connery
“Being comfortable with who you are is the ultimate threat.”
― Sean Beaudoin, 'You Killed Wesley Payne'
Meanings
Irish Baby Names Meaning:
In Irish Baby Names the meaning of the name Sean is: God is gracious; gift from God.