Siobhán
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Siobhán (pronounced Shi-VAWN) is an Irish personal name for females. It means "God is gracious". Alternative spellings of Siobhán include Siavon, Siobhan, Siobhain, Siobhann, Siobhon, Siovhan, Shivaun, Shavon, Sioban, and Shavone. Its English equivalent is Joan.
Siobhán is derived from the French name Jeanne, the feminine form of Jean (which is derived from the Hebrew language). It was introduced to Ireland when the Normans ruled the country. The name fell out of use when the Penal Laws outlawed the use of the Irish language. Its popularity increased in the mid twentieth century, along with many other Irish names like Áine and Aoife. The popularity of the actress Siobhán McKenna (1923-1986) also helped the resurgence of the name.
Nicknames include: Sio, Shiv, Vawny, Von
Famous Siobháns include:
- Siobhan Fahey, a singer who was a member of the bands Bananarama and Shakespear's Sister.
- Siobhán Donaghy, a female singer formally of the Sugababes.
- Siobhain McDonagh, a British Labour Member of Parliament.
- Siobhan Meow, transexual wack pack member on The Howard Stern Show
- Siobhán McKenna, a Tony Award nominated actress who played Mary in the movie King of Kings.
- Siobhan Rushin, daughter of Sports Illustrated writer Steve Rushin and WNBA star Rebecca Lobo.
- Siobhan (band), a Celtic Punk band from Ottawa, best known for obscenity-laced tirades against their audiences.
- Siobhan Dillon, a television game show contestant.
