What does Shannah mean and where does it come from?
Shannah is derived from the Hebrew word שָׁנָה, which means 'year' or 'cycle', as well as being related to 'lily'. This name encapsulates themes of renewal and beauty in nature. It has seen usage in both Jewish contexts and among English speakers, especially in the late 20th century. The name has be
Cultural significance
Shannah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lily.
Peak popularity
Reached #1925 in 1978 — currently #1869 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Shannah?
Shannah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Shannah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Shannah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Shannah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Shannah Claire
French influence · crisp
Shannah Jane
Literary · strong
Shannah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Shannah right now?
Holding steady — currently #1869 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1869 | 331 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2022 | #1874 | 311 | ▲ up 5 · +11% births |
| 2021 | #1879 | 281 | ▲ up 4420 · +1379% births |
| 2005 | #6299 | 19 | ▼ down 1457 · -21% births |
| 2000 | #4842 | 24 | ▼ down 1593 · -31% births |
| 1995 | #3249 | 35 | ▼ down 427 · -15% births |
| 1990 | #2822 | 41 | ▼ down 150 · +14% births |
| 1985 | #2672 | 36 | ▼ down 470 · -22% births |
| 1980 | #2202 | 46 | ▲ up 388 · +53% births |
| 1975 | #2590 | 30 | ▼ down 91 |
| 1970 | #2499 | 30 | ▲ up 4481 · +500% births |
| 1965 | #6980 | 5 | ▼ down 2434 · -17% births |
| 1945 | #4546 | 6 | — |
The story of Shannah
Shannah entered American naming records in 1945 and has been in use for over 79 years. With 1,378 total births recorded, Shannah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4546 in 1945 to #1869 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Shannah in 1978:
Shannah by decade
Shannah peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 6 | |
| 1950s | 10 | |
| 1960s | 106 | |
| 1970s | 346 | |
| 1980s ★ | 382 | |
| 1990s | 341 | |
| 2000s | 162 | |
| 2010s | 25 | |
💎With 1,378 total births, Shannah is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Shannah?
Famous people named Shannah
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Shannah (historical community leader)
Shannah led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
S(
Shannah (historical figure)
Shannah bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Shannah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shannah also consider these
How is Shannah written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Shannah
What does the name Shannah mean?
Shannah means "Lily" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Shannah?
Shannah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Shannah?
Shannah originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Shannah?
Shannah is a two-syllable name pronounced SH AE1 N N AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Shannah a common or rare name?
Shannah is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.