“(Irish: Senán) From the River Shannon.” — Associated with the river
Ireland origin · Unisex name
♂ 15% boys♀ 85% girls
#2047US 2023
96Births / yr
↓Falling
347.4kAll-time births
📅 Since 1912🏆 30 years in top 1000.91% of births at peak
How to pronounce Shannon
SHAH·NAHN
/ˈʃɑ.ˈnɑn/ · stress on SHAH · 2 syllables
“(Irish: Senán) From the River Shannon.”
Associated with the river · Ireland origin
What does Shannon mean and where does it come from?
Shannon is of Irish origin, derived from the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland. Historically, it was used as a unisex name but has seen more uptake as a female name in recent decades. The name represents beauty and strength associated with the river. Famous individuals with this name inclu
Cultural significance
Shannon has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of (irish: senán) from the river shannon..
Falling — down 164 spots — currently #2047 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1925–2023#2047 · Top 1.5%
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
Year
US Rank
Births
vs Prior Year
2023
#2047
96
▼ down 164 · -11% births
2022
#1883
108
▼ down 175 · -11% births
2021
#1708
122
▲ up 212 · +24% births
2020
#1920
98
▼ down 867 · -61% births
2015
#1053
249
▼ down 365 · -40% births
2010
#688
416
▼ down 385 · -60% births
2005
#303
1,053
▼ down 151 · -52% births
2000
#152
2,180
▼ down 79 · -54% births
1995
#73
4,734
▼ down 5 · -9% births
1990
#68
5,189
▼ down 27 · -33% births
1985
#41
7,712
▼ down 12 · -20% births
1980
#29
9,669
▼ down 8 · +3% births
1975
#21
9,371
▲ up 1 · -31% births
1970
#22
13,546
▲ up 122 · +427% births
1965
#144
2,569
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Shannon
1975Rank #21
13,546
#820
↘Falling
1925 - 202323 years
The story of Shannon
Shannon entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. Its peak popularity was #17 in 1976. More than 347,406 babies have been named Shannon since 1912. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2652 in 1925 to #2047 in 2023. Shannon is used for both genders: 85% female and 15% male.
Shannon means "(Irish: Senán) From the River Shannon." — a name rooted in Ireland 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 Shannon?
Shannon is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Shannon?
Shannon originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland 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 Shannon?
Shannon is a two-syllable name pronounced SH AA1 N AA1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Shannon a common or rare name?
Shannon is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Sibling names that pair with Shannon
For a sister
Shannon & Connor♡
Shannon & Callan♡
Shannon & Donovan♡
Shannon & Briana♡
For a brother
Shannon & Ryan♡
Shannon & Connor♡
Shannon & Patrick♡
Shannon & Brian♡
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Worldwide ranking · 2023
Country
Rank
🇺🇸 USA
#2047
🇬🇧 UK
—
🇨🇦 Canada
—
🇦🇺 Australia
—
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