Neat, isn't it, the psychology of names, how our feelings about names and real people are so intertwined and nearly impossible to separate.
Funny enough, I love the name Sean, but also have a special place in my heart for someone who spells it Shaun, like your cricketer. ;D
And I just thought to add, it's odd, but as much as I like Étienne I don't care for Steven / Stephen so much; I don't dislike them, I just don't get the warm fuzzies either.