Find out how popular the first name Shanah has been for the last 34 years (from 1975 to 2008) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shanah by gender

Based on the last 34 years of data, Shanah is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2008, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Shanah.

The history of the first name Shanah

The given name Shanah has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture, dating back to ancient times. It is derived from the Hebrew word "shanah," which means "year" or "to repeat." This suggests that the name may have been associated with concepts of cyclical time, renewal, or the changing of seasons.

In the biblical context, the name Shanah is not found as a personal name but appears as the Hebrew word for "year" in various passages of the Old Testament. For instance, in Genesis 1:14, it is mentioned in reference to the creation of the heavenly bodies to mark the seasons and years.

The earliest recorded use of Shanah as a personal name is difficult to pinpoint precisely, as record-keeping in ancient times was often inconsistent or incomplete. However, some historical records and genealogical databases have listed individuals bearing this name throughout the centuries.

One notable figure was Shanah ben Tovim, a Jewish scholar and philosopher who lived in Spain during the 14th century. He was known for his contributions to the study of Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism.

Another individual with the name Shanah was Shanah Miriam, a Jewish woman who lived in the 16th century in the Ottoman Empire. She is remembered for her acts of charity and community service.

In the 18th century, there was a Rabbi Shanah Katz, who served as a religious leader and teacher in a small town in Eastern Europe.

During the 19th century, Shanah Levin was a prominent businesswoman and philanthropist in the United States, known for her support of various charitable causes and educational initiatives.

More recently, Shanah Peretz was a celebrated Israeli author and poet who lived from 1923 to 2009. Her works explored themes of identity, family, and the experiences of the Jewish diaspora.

While the name Shanah is not among the most common given names today, it carries a rich historical and cultural significance, rooted in the ancient Hebrew language and traditions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Shanah was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Shanah, please contact us.

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