Holding steady.
Popularity of Shannan since 1950
Babies named Shannan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 82 | 0 |
| 1960s | 846 | 52 |
| 1970s | 2,161 | 191 |
| 1980s | 1,204 | 57 |
| 1990s | 669 | 17 |
| 2000s | 182 | 0 |
| 2010s | 18 | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Shannan is a spelling variant of Shannon, which derives from the River Shannon in Ireland. As a given name, it emerged in the mid-20th century, with the first recorded U.S. use in 1950. It reached its peak popularity in 1969, then declined and has become relatively rare. In recent years, fewer than five babies per year have been named Shannan, with a stable trajectory. The name's appeal lies in its gentle sound and Irish heritage, though it never entered the top 1000 rankings. Its usage has been predominantly for girls, reflecting the broader trend for Shannon variants in the 1960s and 1970s.
Shannan is a spelling variant of Shannon, derived from the River Shannon, Ireland's longest river. The name's origin is from the Irish 'Sionainn', possibly meaning 'old river' or 'wise one'. It gained popularity as a given name in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States, where it was used for both boys and girls but became more common for girls.
Where Shannan is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shan, Anna
Sibling names for Shannan
Names that share Shannan's style, for a brother or sister.
