Watercolor Siobhan Tattoo Design
A soft, artistic watercolor tattoo composition where the name Siobhan melts into flowing washes of color.
Siobhan means “God is gracious,” a name of quiet grace.
SIOBHAN is an Irish Gaelic name meaning “God is gracious,” often symbolizing grace, blessing, and quiet strength. This page explores its meaning and background, how it’s used by gender, how its popularity has shifted over time, and names closely related to it.
The name Siobhan is traditionally interpreted as “God is gracious,” closely linked to the Hebrew root behind the names Joan and Jane. It carries a deep sense of grace, gift-from-god, and spiritual blessing. Parents drawn to qualities of hope, love, and quiet strength often choose this name for its gentle yet enduring presence.
/ʃɪˈvɔːn/ - Siobhán
shiv-AWN
Siobhan is the Irish Gaelic form of Joan, itself derived from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning “God is gracious.” Introduced through Christian tradition and the cult of Saint Joan, it became firmly rooted in medieval **Irish** society. Over centuries, the name evolved in spelling and pronunciation, but its strong association with Gaelic heritage, Catholic devotion, and classic European naming traditions has remained constant.
A soft, artistic watercolor tattoo composition where the name Siobhan melts into flowing washes of color.
A surreal tattoo-style design where the letters of Siobhan emerge from impossible dreamlike structures.
A sleek, AI-original Aetherline tattoo style where Siobhan appears as an elegant, futuristic line sigil.
Historically, Siobhan has been used almost exclusively as a female given name, paralleling Joan and Jane in English. In countries with strong Irish communities, it is widely recognized as a classic girl’s name. While modern naming trends are increasingly fluid, real-world usage of Siobhan for boys or nonbinary children remains rare, making it culturally coded as feminine across Ireland, the UK, North America, and beyond.
The name Siobhan peaked in popularity in Ireland and the UK in the late 20th century, especially from the 1960s through the 1980s, when Irish-language names enjoyed a revival. In the United States it has always been relatively uncommon, partly due to its challenging spelling and pronunciation. Today, Siobhan is less frequently chosen for babies but remains familiar, stylishly vintage, and strongly tied to Irish identity.
While rooted in **Irish** tradition, Siobhan is recognized in many English‑speaking countries such as **United Kingdom**, **United States**, **Canada**, and **Australia**. Pronunciation typically approximates “shiv-awn,” which can puzzle those unfamiliar with Gaelic spelling. In diaspora communities across **New Zealand**, **South Africa**, and **France**, the name signals Irish heritage and often sparks curiosity about Celtic language and culture.
Usage and gender distribution of the name Siobhan across different countries, based on data from GenderAPI.
Gender and popularity analysis by country is based on data from Gender API.
Irish feminine name related to Jane, carrying meanings of god-is-gracious and grace.
Irish form linked to Joan, associated with grace and gift-from-god.
English classic meaning god-is-gracious, historically borne by queens and saints.
Timeless English name signifying god-is-gracious and spiritual grace.
French and English variant rooted in the idea that god-is-gracious.
Modern spelling variant conveying the same sense of god-is-gracious and grace.
French-origin name linked to the yew tree, often associated with strength and life.
Irish name tied to mythic beauty, symbolizing radiance and bright spirit.
Irish Gaelic name meaning dream or vision, popular in modern Ireland.
Irish royal name connected with strength, power, and intoxicating charm.
Reflecting the name’s link to divine grace, often seen as warm and considerate.
Frequently associated with artistic or literary talent and vivid imagination.
Carries a quiet strength, persevering through challenges with dignity.
Sensitive to others’ feelings, making a supportive friend or confidant.
Values personal freedom, often forging an individual path in life.
A natural fit for expressive, language-loving personalities.
Suits those drawn to the stage or creative performance.
Aligns with empathetic, understanding character traits.
Ideal for sharing knowledge and inspiring others.
Matches a desire to help and uplift communities.
A quintessential Irish Gaelic form of the widely known name Joan.
Its pronunciation “shiv-awn” often surprises those new to Irish orthography.
Frequently chosen in novels and TV dramas to signal Irish roots.
Common diminutives include Shiv, Shivs, or Von.
Answers to the most common questions people ask about the name Siobhan.
Siobhan is an Irish Gaelic name traditionally interpreted as ‘God is gracious,’ related to Joan and Jane. It conveys ideas of grace, blessing, and a gift from God.
Siobhan originates from Irish Gaelic and is the Irish form of Joan, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan. It became established in medieval Ireland through Christian tradition.
Siobhan is usually pronounced ‘shiv-AWN’ in English, corresponding to the Irish Gaelic spelling Siobhán and the IPA transcription /ʃɪˈvɔːn/.
Yes, Siobhan is traditionally used as a feminine given name, similar to Joan or Jane in English. Usage for boys or nonbinary people is very rare.
Siobhan was especially popular in Ireland and the UK from the 1960s to the 1980s. Today it is less common for newborns but still recognised as a classic Irish name worldwide.