Find out how popular the first name Shannan has been for the last 39 years (from 1974 to 2012) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shannan by gender

Based on the last 39 years of data, Shannan is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 95% of people named Shannan being female.

For the most recent data in 2012, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Shannan.

The history of the first name Shannan

The name Shannan is a variant spelling of the Irish name Shannon, which is derived from the name of the Shannon River, the longest river in Ireland. The name Shannon is believed to be derived from the Irish word "Sionna," meaning "old river" or "wise river."

The Shannon River has been an important part of Irish culture and history for centuries, and the name Shannon has been used as a personal name in Ireland for many generations. The earliest recorded use of the name Shannon dates back to the 16th century, when it was used as a surname.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Shannan as a given name was in the 17th century. In 1642, a woman named Shannan O'Brien was born in County Clare, Ireland. She was a member of the influential O'Brien clan and is believed to be one of the first individuals to bear the name Shannan as a first name.

In the 18th century, the name Shannan gained popularity among Irish families, particularly those living in the regions along the Shannon River. One notable figure from this period was Shannan Keating (1713-1789), an Irish playwright and poet who was born in County Limerick.

As the Irish diaspora spread throughout the world, the name Shannan traveled with them. In the 19th century, Shannan Murphy (1823-1901) was an Irish immigrant to the United States who became a prominent businessman and philanthropist in New York City.

Another notable individual with the name Shannan was Shannan Sisk (1883-1962), an American author and journalist who was born in Tennessee. She wrote several books about the American South and was known for her vivid descriptions of rural life in the early 20th century.

In the 20th century, the name Shannan continued to be used, particularly in English-speaking countries with Irish heritage. Shannan Watts (1918-2004) was an Australian actress and singer who appeared in numerous stage productions and films throughout her career.

While the name Shannan is not as common as some other Irish names, it has a rich history and cultural significance, particularly in regions connected to the Shannon River and Irish heritage.

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 Shannan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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