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..
Peak popularity
Reached #17 in 1976 — currently #2047 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Shannon?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Shannon?
Shannon works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Shannon Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Shannon Rose
Floral · soft ending
Shannon Mae
Sweet · timeless
Shannon Claire
French influence · crisp
Shannon Jane
Literary · strong
Shannon Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Shannon right now?
Falling — down 164 spots — currently #2047 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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.
Names that peaked alongside Shannon in 1976:
Shannon by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 11 | |
| 1890s | 5 | |
| 1900s | 30 | |
| 1910s | 200 | |
| 1920s | 366 | |
| 1930s | 669 | |
| 1940s | 2,152 | |
| 1950s | 7,540 | |
| 1960s | 43,701 | |
| 1970s ★ | 138,455 | |
| 1980s | 86,535 | |
| 1990s | 49,757 | |
| 2000s | 14,389 | |
| 2010s | 3,429 | |
| 2020s | 167 | |
What are good nicknames for Shannon?
What names sound and feel like Shannon?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shannon also consider these
How is Shannon written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Shannon
What does the name Shannon mean?
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.