Shannah

“Lily”

Hebrew origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1869US 2023

331Births / yr

→Stable

1.4kAll-time births

📅 Since 194500

How to pronounce Shannah

SHANN·AH

/ˈʃænn.ˈɑ/ · stress on SHANN · 2 syllables

“Lily”

Hebrew origin · Girl name

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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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

How popular is Shannah right now?

Holding steady — currently #1869 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1945–2023#1869 · Top 1.4%

1945

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Shannah

Best Year2023Rank #1869

Peak Count331

Average Rank#3409

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1945 - 202313 years

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:

Jennifer Melissa Jessica Amy Heather

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?

Common

ShaShieShyAnnah

Famous people named Shannah

Shannah (historical community leader)

Shannah led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.

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

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Shannah?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shannah also consider these

Shanah

Hebrew · Year

Shainah

Hebrew · peaceful, tranquil

Shaynah

USA · שֵׁנָה - 'dream'

American · a variant spelling

Yannah

Hebrew · Hebrew

Hasnah

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

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.