Shannen is a unique and beautiful female given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the ancient Irish surname Ó Seanáin, which was originally an occupational name for a little old man or dwarf. The name has been used as both a given name and a surname throughout history.
In medieval Ireland, the Ó Seanáin clan were known for their bravery and skill in battle. They were considered one of the most powerful and influential families in Ireland during this time period. Today, many people with the surname Shannen can trace their lineage back to this ancient Irish family.
The name Shannen has also been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. One such example is Shannen Doherty, an American actress who rose to fame in the 1990s for her role on the television series "Beverly Hills, 90210." Despite its popularity thanks to Doherty's success, Shannen remains a rare and distinctive name.
Overall, Shannen is a unique and captivating female given name with deep roots in Irish history. Its meaning may be unconventional, but it has a rich heritage that sets it apart from other names. Whether you're looking for a distinctive name for your daughter or simply interested in the history behind this beautiful moniker, Shannen is sure to capture your imagination.
The name Shannen has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, as indicated by its birth statistics from 1961 to 2023.
In the early years, from 1961 to 1970, the number of births with the name Shannen ranged from a low of 5 in 1964 to a high of 42 in 1970. The decade saw an increase in popularity, culminating in a peak of 42 births in 1970.
The trend continued into the next decade, with birth numbers ranging between 15 and 36 from 1977 to 1984. However, starting from 1985, there was a significant rise in popularity for the name Shannen, reaching an all-time high of 216 births in 1993.
After this peak, the number of births with the name began to decline steadily. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, it had fallen back down to around 30-50 births per year. This trend continued until the mid-2000s, after which the popularity of the name Shannen saw a further decline.
In recent years, from 2010 onwards, the number of births with the name has been quite low, with fewer than 20 births recorded each year up to 2023. However, it is important to note that these figures may not include all instances where Shannen was listed as a middle or alternative name.
Overall, while Shannen has seen periods of high popularity in the past, particularly during the late 1980s and early 1990s, its current popularity appears to be quite low based on recent birth statistics.