"old river, ancient waters"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: English
Shannon
Pronunciation: [ sh-AN-uhn ]
Does Shannon flow with your last name?
An ancient Irish river name steeped in Celtic legend
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American
English
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Meaning & Origin
"wise one (from Sionann mythology)"
Origin: Old Irish
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Predominantly perceived as female in current US naming culture, which may cause social friction for boys
The Story of Shannon
Shannon takes its name from the River Shannon, Ireland's longest river. The river's name derives from the Old Irish 'Sionann,' connected to an ancient goddess figure and meaning 'old river' or 'slow, old waters.' The river holds immense cultural importance in Ireland as a natural boundary between provinces. While Shannon became a popular given name in the US and Ireland in the mid-20th century, it was used for both boys and girls, though it has skewed increasingly female over time.
Shannon peaked as a US boy's name in the 1960s-70s, reaching the top 200. As it became more popular for girls through the 1970s-80s (peaking around 1981 at #16 for girls), it became increasingly rare for boys. This gender shift is a common pattern in American names.
In Irish mythology, the River Shannon was named after Sionann, a granddaughter of the sea god Manannán mac Lir, who drowned in the river seeking wisdom. The name thus carries ancient Celtic spiritual significance alongside its geographical identity.
Historical Record
Shannon first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 50,958 babies have been named Shannon in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Shannon is past its peak , currently ranked #2,609 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The River Shannon is 360 km long and divides Ireland into east and west
- Shannon Airport in County Clare is named after the river, making 'Shannon' one of the few names shared by an airport, river, and personal name
Shannon in Other Languages
Irish
Sionann
Welsh
Shannon
French
Shannon
Popularity Over Time
#2,609
Current Rank
Peaked 1972
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Shannon
S
Shannon Sharpe
Athlete
1968
American NFL Hall of Fame tight end, Super Bowl champion, and sports broadcaster
S
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,609
- Total SSA Count
- 51
- Cultural Origins
- Irish American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Shan
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Irish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Shannon
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Shannon is also used as a girl name, ranked #1866.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shannon
What does the name Shannon mean?
"old river, ancient waters" (from Irish Gaelic). "wise one (from Sionann mythology)" (from Old Irish). Shannon takes its name from the River Shannon, Ireland's longest river. The river's name derives from the Old Irish 'Sionann,' connected to an ancient goddess figure and meaning 'old river' or 'slow, old waters.' The river holds immense cultural importance in Ireland as a natural boundary between provinces. While Shannon became a popular given name in the US and Ireland in the mid-20th century, it was used for both boys and girls, though it has skewed increasingly female over time.
What is the origin of the name Shannon?
Shannon has Irish Gaelic, Old Irish, Irish, American, and English origins. In Irish Gaelic, it means "old river, ancient waters". In Old Irish, it means "wise one (from Sionann mythology)".
Is Shannon a boy or girl name?
Shannon is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2609. As a girl name, it is ranked #1866. Shannon is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Shannon?
Shannon is pronounced sh-AN-uhn.
How popular is the name Shannon?
Shannon is currently ranked #2609 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Shannon?
Common nicknames for Shannon include Shan.
What are good middle names for Shannon?
Popular middle name pairings include Shannon James, Shannon Patrick, Shannon Michael, Shannon Lee, Shannon Ryan, and Shannon Thomas.
What are good sibling names for Shannon?
Names that pair well with Shannon as siblings include Caitlin, Erin, Brendan, Patrick, Colleen, and Devin.
How many syllables does Shannon have?
Shannon has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Shannon a common or rare name?
Shannon is an uncommon name, ranked #2609 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Shannon?
Are there other spellings for Shannon?
Related spellings include Shane.
About the Name Shannon
Shannon is a boy name with Irish, American, and English origins . The name means "old river, ancient waters" in Irish Gaelic .
Is Shannon a boy or girl name? Shannon is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,609 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #1,866. Shannon is more commonly used as a girl name.
Shannon is currently ranked #2,609 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Shannon has 2 syllables and is pronounced sh-AN-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Shannon include Shan. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Shannon include Shane . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis