Siobhán

/shiv-AWN/

IrishGirl

Siobhán is an Irish girl's name pronounced /shiv-AWN/. A timeless name that serves as the Irish form of Joan, meaning 'God is gracious'.

Meaning of Siobhán

A timeless name that serves as the Irish form of Joan, meaning 'God is gracious'.

Siobhán is the Irish Gaelic cognate of the Old French name Jehanne, which is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan. The name etymologically signifies 'Yahweh is gracious' and was introduced to Ireland via the Anglo-Normans in the Middle Ages.

Origin
Irish
Pronunciation
/shiv-AWN/

Cultural background

The name remains a staple of Irish identity and is frequently chosen in both Ireland and the Irish diaspora to celebrate heritage. While traditional in spelling, it saw a massive surge in popularity during the mid-20th century.

Variations & nicknames

  • Siobhan
  • Shiv
  • Shivaun
  • Chevonne
  • Siobháinín

Famous people named Siobhán

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Siobhán McKenna

    Acclaimed stage and screen actress of the 20th century.

    Film · 1923–1986

  • Siobhán Fahey

    Founding member of Bananarama and Shakespears Sister.

    Music · 1980s–present

  • Siobhan Fallon Hogan

    American character actress known for Saturday Night Live and Seinfeld.

    Film · 1990s–present

  • Siobhán Donaghy

    Original member of the British girl group Sugababes.

    Music · 1990s–present

  • Siobhan Roy

    A lead character in the HBO television series Succession.

    Television · 2018–2023

  • Siobhán Haughey

    Olympic medalist swimmer representing Hong Kong with Irish heritage.

    Sport · 2010s–present

Frequently asked about Siobhán

What does Siobhán mean?
Siobhán is an Irish name meaning 'God is gracious' or 'Jehovah has been gracious'.
How do you pronounce Siobhán?
It is typically pronounced 'shiv-AWN' or 'shuh-VAUN', with the emphasis on the second syllable.
Is Siobhán a boy or girl name?
Siobhán is a female given name of Irish origin.
What is the English equivalent of Siobhán?
The most common English equivalents are Joan, Jane, or Jean.

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