Seamas

Seamas is a masculine given name in Irish Gaelic. It is the Gaelic form of James, one of several names derived from the Latin Iacobus through Christian usage. In Irish orthography, the standard form is Séamas; Seamas (without diacritics) also appears, particularly in English-language contexts or within the Irish diaspora. The name is related to Seamus, the more common Anglicized form, and to James in English.

Etymology and form: The name James ultimately derives from Ya'akov (Hebrew), meaning “supplanter” or “holder of the heel.” In Irish, Séamas developed as the equivalent of James, with spelling variations reflecting orthographic and transliteration differences.

Usage and context: Seamas is primarily used among Irish-speaking communities and in Ireland. In English-language contexts or among Gaelic-dominated families, it may be rendered as Seamus or James, with Jimmy as a common diminutive. The spelling Seamas without diacritics is common in modern records where Gaelic orthography is not employed.

Variations and related names: Séamas (with the acute accent) is the standard Irish form; Seamas is a variant without diacritics. Related names include Seamus (a distinct Anglicized form) and James (the English version).

See also: Séamas, Seamus, James.