Declining since 1985, #2,387 for girls today.
Popularity of Shannon since 1881
Babies named Shannon per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1970, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Shannon's real moment was 1976.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 11 |
| 1890s | 0 | 5 |
| 1900s | 0 | 30 |
| 1910s | 15 | 185 |
| 1920s | 112 | 254 |
| 1930s | 372 | 297 |
| 1940s | 1,557 | 596 |
| 1950s | 6,100 | 1,444 |
| 1960s | 33,850 | 9,851 |
| 1970s | 113,793 | 24,649 |
| 1980s | 78,420 | 8,119 |
| 1990s | 45,912 | 3,846 |
| 2000s | 12,458 | 1,932 |
| 2010s | 2,586 | 849 |
| 2020s | 607 | 311 |
Meaning & origin
Shannon entered U.S. records in 1912 and reached its peak in 1976, when it was a frequent choice for girls. Since 1985, its popularity has steadily fallen; by 2025 it ranked 2,387, with about 1 in 21,430 newborns receiving the name. Historically concentrated in states like Massachusetts, Illinois, and California, Shannon reflects a broader Irish-American naming trend. Despite its decline, the name retains a strong geographical and cultural resonance through its link to Ireland's longest river.
Shannon derives from the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland. The river name itself comes from the Irish 'Abha na Sionainne', meaning 'river of the wise one' or 'old river'. As a given name, it emerged first as a surname (Ó Seanáin) meaning 'descendant of Senán', where Senán is a diminutive of 'sean' meaning 'old' or 'wise'. The name transitioned to a first name in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, and was popularized for girls in the mid-1900s.
Where Shannon 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.
“Shannon” around the world
Where Shannon lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shan, Annie
Sibling names for Shannon
Names that share Shannon's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Erin, Bridget, Caitlin, Maeve, Kiera, Briana, Kelly, Bridgett, Brienna, Coleen, Kaitlin, Kandace, Katlin, Kayleen, Keli, Kellie, Kerrie, Meaghan, Misti, Tawni, Allyn, Caitlynn, Catlin, Chasidy, Ciarra, Erinn, Irish, Katelynne, Kathlene, Kelle, Kellyann, Kristeen, Shalon, Teryn, Caitlan, Catlyn, Jamy, Karalee, Kariann, Karlynn, Kathyleen, Kealey, Kelleen, Kellianne, Kellyanne, Kelyn, Kerianne, Kevina, Kyleen, Linzi, Lyndall, Lynsi, Sharone, Tawnee, Allanna, Cathlyn, Caytlin, Courtenay, Kandise, Katelan, Kathlynn, Keitha, Kelie, Kelleigh, Kely, Kerilyn, Kerryann, Kerryn, Keryn, Koleen, Krystalynn, Lynnett, Rockelle, Sharena, Shavaughn, Sheala, Breean, Erynne, Lauralynn, Meaghann, Shatarra, Shaunee, Tiffay, Tiffony
Brothers: Ryan, Patrick, Liam, Sean, Connor, Brady, Brenden, Brian, Casey, Corey, Derrick, Dwayne, Kevin, Kyle, Lance, Bryon, Donavan, Donavon, Donell, Donnell, Kraig, Scot, Arnell, Brendyn, Devonne, Dwane, Kenney, Lavaughn, Noland, Ronney, Torrence, Collyn, Correy, Derell, Duaine, Keanan, Keevin, Rockne, Derryck, Devery, Kevyn, Kurtiss, Mclean, Tryone, Cleburne, Criag, Deshannon, Frazer, Glenden, Johnryan, Rodderick, Shamond
Names like Shannon
Names whose popularity has moved with Shannon's over the last 50 years.
