The name Shanard is of Irish origin and means "old". It is derived from the Gaelic word "Sean" which translates to mean old or ancient. The name was traditionally used for boys, but it has become more popular as a unisex name in recent years.
Shanard has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages in Ireland. It was often used among the Gaelic nobility and was associated with strength and wisdom due to its meaning. Some of the most notable people bearing this name include Shanard O'Neill, a chieftain from Tyrone who played a significant role in the Irish Wars against English rule during the 16th century.
Today, Shanard is still used as a given name but has become less common than it once was. It may be more commonly found among families with Irish ancestry or those interested in unique and meaningful names. Overall, Shanard is an intriguing choice for parents looking to give their child a distinctive name with a rich history behind it.
The name Shanard has seen a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past several decades, with peaks and valleys in its usage.
In the mid-1970s to early 1980s, there was a notable spike in the number of babies named Shanard. Between 1974 and 1983, an average of 6 births per year were recorded, reaching a peak of 9 births in 1981.
However, after 1983, the popularity of the name began to decline, with only 5 births recorded each year from 1986 to 1994. It appeared that Shanard was falling out of fashion during this period.
But like many things in life, popularity can fluctuate over time. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, there was another uptick in Shanard births, with an average of 5 births per year from 1997 to 2004, culminating in a high of 7 births in 2006.
After 2006, the name's popularity began to wane once again, with only 5 births recorded each year between 2007 and 2014. However, there was another small resurgence in recent years, with 5 births recorded in both 2017 and 2018.
In total, since 1974, there have been 138 babies named Shanard born in the United States. It's clear that while Shanard has never been one of the most popular names, it has maintained a consistent presence over time.