Origin
Irish: from the Gaelic 'Siobhán', derived from 'Síobhan', which is a diminutive of 'Síobán', itself a diminutive of 'Síobh' meaning 'God is gracious'. The name has ancient roots in Irish mythology and history, with Saint Siobán being a celebrated figure in Irish tradition. In Māori context, 'Sinead' is a phonetic adoption rather than an original Māori name.
Meaning
'God is gracious' — connoting kindness, mercy, and divine favor. In Australian English contexts, the name retains its traditional Irish meaning, often associated with qualities of grace and benevolence.
Pronunciation
/ʃɪˈneɪd/ (shih-NAYD) or /sɪˈneɪd/ (sin-AYD) — with the emphasis on the second syllable, common in Australian English pronunciations.','variants':['Sinéad','Shinéad','Siobhán (original Irish form)'],
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Siobhán (Irish original)
- Shinéad (alternative spelling)
- Sinead (common misspelling in Australia)
Nicknames
- Sine
- Siné
Name Days
- 16 July (Feast of Saint Siobán)
- 15 July (Catholic feast day for Saint Siobán)
- 5 November (Māori celebration of Waitangi Day, indirectly connected through cultural exchange)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with sinead:
- Charlotte and Amelia
- Olivia and Harper
- Isla and Ava (for sibling names)
Fun Facts
- The name gained popularity in Australia following the popularity of the Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor.
- Sinead has been a popular choice among Australian parents of Irish descent.
- The name's pronunciation can vary, with some Australians pronouncing it as 'shih-NAYD' and others as 'shin-AID.'
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name sinead:
- Compassionate
- Creative
- Resilient
- Idealistic
Aesthetic Qualities
Elegant, with a soft and flowing visual appeal; the diacritical mark in Gaelic ('á') provides a distinctive and graceful look, often omitted in Australian forms.
Geographical Distribution
More common among Irish-Australian communities especially in Victoria and New South Wales, with some usage in broader Australian urban centres due to multicultural influences.
Numerological Significance
Name Number 3, associated with creativity, communication, and optimism, suggesting a lively, expressive personality; influences on personal traits include artistic talent and sociability.
Astrological Connections
Aligned with the zodiac sign Leo or Cancer, emphasising traits like warmth, creativity, and caring nature, suitable for individuals born in July, the month associated with Irish saint's feast day.
Historical Context
Famous bearer: Sinéad O'Connor, Irish singer-songwriter known worldwide, popular in Australia through media and cultural influence. Literary: The name appears in Irish folklore and modern literature related to Irish identity and heritage.
Linguistic Adaptability
Adapts well across English-speaking countries, retaining pronunciation and spelling with minor variations. Possible transliterations are minimal given its phonetic structure.
Famous People Named sinead
- Sinéad O'Connor (Singer)
- Sinead Cusack (Actress)
- Sinead Farrels (Australian artist)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2016 | 1 |
2015 | 1 |
2014 | 1 |