The name Shannon is of Irish origin and has a rich history behind it. It is derived from the word "Sionna," which means "wisdom" or "old wise river." The Shannon River, which is one of Ireland's longest rivers, was named after this word due to its ancient wisdom as it flows through time.
The name Shannon gained popularity in the United States during the 1950s and has since become a popular choice for girls' names. Despite its recent surge in popularity, the name Shannon has been used throughout history and can be traced back to Ireland's early medieval period.
In Irish mythology, the name Shannon is associated with the legendary warrior queen, Queen Medb of Connacht. According to ancient tales, Queen Medb was known for her intelligence, courage, and wisdom - qualities that reflect the meaning behind the name Shannon.
Today, the name Shannon continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for a unique yet meaningful name for their daughter. Its Irish origins and historical significance make it an appealing option for those interested in Celtic culture or looking for a name with a rich history behind it. Whether you're Irish or simply appreciate the beauty of ancient wisdom, the name Shannon is sure to captivate your heart.
The name Shannon has had a varied history of popularity over the past century in the United States. In the early years, from 1912 to 1927, the name was given to around five to nineteen babies each year. However, starting from 1928, there was a significant increase in its usage, with twenty births recorded that year.
The popularity of the name Shannon continued to rise steadily throughout the 1930s and 1940s, reaching a peak of 152 births in 1946. This trend carried on into the 1950s and 1960s, with the number of babies named Shannon doubling each decade. In 1959, there were 1006 births, which grew to 2053 in 1963, and then peaked at 3445 in 1967.
The 1960s also marked a turning point for the name Shannon, as it began to enter the top 1000 most popular names in the United States. It reached its highest ranking of 284 in 1976 and maintained a steady presence in the top 500 names throughout the following decades.
However, after reaching its peak popularity in the late 1960s, the number of babies named Shannon began to decline gradually over the next few decades. By the early 1980s, fewer than 10,000 babies were being given the name each year, and this trend continued throughout the rest of the century.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Shannon has continued to wane. From a high of 257 births in 2014, the number dropped to just 98 in 2020, with only 122 births recorded in 2021 and 96 in 2023.
Overall, while Shannon was once a popular name in the United States, its popularity has significantly declined over time. Despite this decrease, it remains a recognizable and well-used name, having been given to nearly 300,000 babies over the past century.