Holding steady.
Popularity of Shanah since 1969
Babies named Shanah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 8 |
| 1970s | 78 |
| 1980s | 110 |
| 1990s | 65 |
| 2000s | 34 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Shanah is a rare and unusual name that first appeared on U.S. records in 1969. It reached its peak rank of #10,217 in 1977 with just 5 births that year, and has remained infrequent since, with a stable trajectory. The name's origin is uncertain, possibly a variant of the Irish Sinead or a derivative of the Hebrew word for 'beauty'. Its top states were not recorded due to low numbers, but it likely has scattered use. Parents drawn to uncommon, melodic names ending in 'ah' might find Shanah appealing. Its similarity to more familiar names like Shana or Shauna gives it a gentle, accessible sound.
Shanah is likely a variant of the Irish name Sineád, which is the Irish form of Jane, ultimately from Hebrew Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious'. Alternatively, it may be derived from the Hebrew word 'shanah' meaning 'beautiful' or 'radiant', or from the Yiddish name Shayna. The name has seen sporadic use in the United States since the late 1960s, with its highest frequency in the 1970s.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Shanah
Names that share Shanah's style, for a brother or sister.
