Find out how popular the first name Shenan has been for the last 6 years (from 1974 to 1979) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shenan by gender

Based on the last 6 years of data, Shenan is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 67% of people named Shenan being female.

For the most recent data in 1979, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Shenan.

The history of the first name Shenan

The given name Shenan is an ancient Irish name with its origins dating back to the 5th century AD. The name is derived from the Gaelic word "sionnach," which means "fox." In Irish folklore, the fox was revered for its cunning and intelligence, and the name was bestowed upon individuals believed to possess these qualities.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Shenan can be found in the Annals of Ulster, a chronicle of medieval Irish history. The text mentions a notable figure named Shenan mac Geirr, who was a prominent scholar and abbot of the monastery of Clonard in the 6th century AD.

During the 8th century, the name gained further significance with the rise of Shenan of Inishcaltra, a renowned Irish monk and scribe. He was renowned for his calligraphic skills and is credited with the production of several illuminated manuscripts, including the renowned Book of Durrow.

In the 11th century, the name Shenan was associated with Shenan mac Aedha, a powerful Irish chieftain who ruled over the territory of Síl Anmchadha in what is now County Galway. He was known for his military prowess and played a significant role in the ongoing conflicts between Irish clans and the Norman invaders.

Another notable figure bearing the name Shenan was Shenan mac Colmáin, a 12th-century Irish bishop and scholar. He was celebrated for his extensive knowledge of canon law and served as the Bishop of Armagh, one of the most influential ecclesiastical positions in medieval Ireland.

In the 16th century, Shenan O'Mulryan, a prominent Irish bard and poet, gained recognition for his works that celebrated Irish culture and language. His compositions were widely recited and helped preserve the oral tradition of Irish storytelling during a period of significant cultural upheaval.

These are just a few examples of the historical figures who bore the name Shenan, a name deeply rooted in Irish heritage and associated with qualities such as wisdom, intelligence, and leadership. While its popularity may have waned in more recent times, the name remains a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Ireland and its ancient 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 Shenan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!