Shannen Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Shannen is an Irish name derived from Sionainn, meaning 'old river' or 'river of knowledge'. It has evolved from historical forms like Sionainn and Shannon to its modern form. The name is characterized by a modern and independent image, with no biblical relevance. Its popularity surged in the late 20th century, and it is associated with notable figures in entertainment and sports.
The name Shannen is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Shannen has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Shannen' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5156th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8236th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 14556th out of 24088 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 10657th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3230th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1867th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4611th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 25294th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Shannen' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Shannen"
Pronunciation
/ˈʃænən/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Shannen is derived from the Irish name Sionainn, which is associated with the River Shannon in Ireland. The name is often interpreted to mean 'old river' or 'river of knowledge'.
Meaning
old river, river of knowledge
Language Evolution
Sionainn, Shannon, Shannen
Historical Usage
Shannen gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, partly due to its association with the River Shannon and its use in popular culture.
Variants & Derivatives
Shannon, Shan, Shanney
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Shannen is viewed as a modern and unique name, often associated with a strong and independent image.
Famous People
Shannen Doherty, an American actress known for her roles in television series such as 'Charmed' and 'Beverly Hills, 90210'., Shannen McGrath, an athlete recognized in various sports.
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Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Shannen"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Shannen"
"Shannen" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5156th of 10718 | 62 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 8236th of 16616 | 54 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 14556th of 24088 | 34 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 10657th of 12526 | 11 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3230th of 19264 | 337 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1867th of 27321 | 1,098 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 4611th of 35406 | 464 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 25294th of 30306 | 11 |
Regional Popularity of "Shannen" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
63.94% 4039th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Shannen" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
89.27% 2622nd/2937 |
- | - |
61.62% 2492nd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
49.50% 1824th/3685 |
29.39% 1315th/4475 |
43.03% 2235th/5194 |
32.91% 2079th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
64.41% 3326th/5164 |
77.22% 5647th/7313 |
53.40% 3985th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Shannen"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Shannen" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.