Shanna is a name of Irish origin and it has a rich history dating back centuries. The name is derived from the Irish surname O'Scanlan or Scanlon, which was originally given to a person who had dark hair or complexion. In the past, Irish families often passed down names through generations, and Shanna was one such name that became popular as a given name for girls.
The meaning of Shanna is associated with its Irish roots and translates to "little dark one" or "little brave one". The name has gained popularity over time due to its unique sound and meaning. Today, it is often used as a given name for girls in many English-speaking countries around the world.
Shanna is also sometimes associated with other cultures beyond Ireland. In some cases, it may be seen as having Hebrew origins, where it translates to "song" or "lyrics". However, this association is not widely accepted and its Irish roots are considered more accurate.
In terms of popularity, Shanna has had varying degrees of usage over the years. While it was once quite common in Ireland, its use has declined somewhat since the mid-20th century. Nevertheless, it remains a distinctive name with a long history and cultural significance. Many people named Shanna today likely have Irish ancestors or simply appreciate the unique sound and meaning of this beautiful name.
The name Shanna experienced a notable period of popularity during the 1970s and early 1980s in the United States. The first significant year for this name was 1972, with six newborn girls named Shanna. This figure remained consistent in 1973 but doubled to twelve births in 1974, indicating a growing trend of parents choosing this name.
The popularity continued with ten births each in 1978 and 1982, suggesting that the name Shanna was well-received by parents during these years. Interestingly, there were also five births each in 1977 and 1985, showing some fluctuations but overall maintaining a consistent presence.
In total, between 1972 and 1985, there were eighty-eight newborn girls named Shanna in the United States. This data demonstrates that while not extraordinarily popular, the name Shanna was certainly a recognized and chosen option for parents during this period.