The Baby Name Wizard

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Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Siobhan!

Comments and insights on the name Siobhan: | Edit

As a teenager of the 80's, I chose my future daughter's name from Siobhan Fahey of the girl group "Bananarama". I was reading about the group in a "Star Hits" magazine as a teenager, and I thought, "That's a pretty name! I think I'll name my firstborn daughter that!" So, 23 years later...

Personal experiences with the name Siobhan: | Edit

I'm probably the only latin american called siobhan I think my name is quite amazing its unique and it is irish

Nicknames for Siobhan: | Edit

Bonnie, Bon, Bon-Bon, Shiba, Sushi, Shiverin, Von, Sio, Siobhany, Oba, Han, Sib, Sob, Vannie, Shove, Shiv, Shivsy, Shaboom

My mother wanted to call my daughter "Vonnie" for short, but never did. She succumbed to Siobhan! Sometimes when I'm just being silly with her, I'll call her "shavonny-bonnie". :)

I knew a Siobhan in highschool and we all called her "Shibby"

My best friend is called Siobhán. We all call her Shivers. I'm from Ireland though and its a really popular name. Another really pretty Irish name is Aisling (pronounced like Ashley but with a '-ing' instead of a 'ee' sound). Its Irish for dreamer!

There's a girl in my school with this name, and everyone calls her Shabby. It's a terrible name and a terrible nickname.

If I had this name or knew someone with it, I'd use the nickname Sadie. Siobhan just isn't a pretty name--too hard to spell and pronounce. Also it just doesn't LOOK pretty.

My friend Siobhan is called Bon-Bon.

Meanings and history of the name Siobhan: | Edit

I've heard different translations. All say that it's Gaelic, but one translation says it means "Gift of God"; one says "God is gracious", and one says that it is a Gaelic form of "Joan". I am a Siobhan myself for almost 40 years and I have found out from my uncle Daniel Patrick a professor of Irish Studies and the Gaelic Language at a university in Derry, Norn Iron. He explained that the name dates back to the 12th century and does mean god is good or gracious. It was the name given to one of the daughters of a high cheiftain (forgot which one)and grew from there. In it's anglicized form it means Joan not Jean or Jehanne as some sites say because Jean is the anglicized version of Sinead another beautiful Irish name. By the way a good nickname is Shevronne that is the one my mom used when she needed a favour. I wish it was more popular in the states, I have had mail issues ever since I came here.

Famous real-life people named Siobhan: | Edit

Siobhán Mc.Kenna, actress (she played Jesus' mother Mary in the movie "King of Kings")
Siobhan Fahey, singer (from "Bananarama" - which probably explains why the name peaked in the U.S. in the mid-80's)
Siobhan Magnus, singer (American Idol 9th season finalist)

Siobhan in song, story & screen: | Edit

Character in "Breaking Dawn" ("Twilight" Series) by Stephanie Meyer. There is also a song by the band The Tossers called "Siobhan" and the lyrics are loads of craic!!! I am a Siobhan so I can say that!!! :)

Siobhan McKenna, character from ABC's General Hospital; played by actress Erin Chambers.