Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Shannon
UnisexIrish· “from the River Shannon”
- Meaning
- from the River Shannon (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- SHA-nuhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,405
- US babies 2025
- 75
- Best rank
- #17 (1976)
- Peak year
- 1970
Meaning and origin of Shannon
Shannon is often said to mean “from the River Shannon”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish roots.
Shannon comes from the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland, called Sionainn in Irish. In Irish legend the river is linked to Sionann, a woman or goddess who drowned while seeking wisdom at a sacred well, and the river name is often interpreted as "old" or "wise one", though its true etymology is uncertain. Shannon became a popular given name in English-speaking countries in the twentieth century, first for boys and later mostly for girls. It has a friendly, flowing sound and a clear Irish identity. Shan and Shay are possible nicknames.
Popularity over time
Shannon first appears in US Social Security records in 1912. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 77 different years, starting in 1937. Its best national rank was #17 in 1976, and the most babies received it in 1970, when 13,547 were named Shannon. In 2025, 75 babies were named Shannon, and it ranked #2,405 nationally. That is 70% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #408 in 1950, #29 in 1980, #152 in 2000, #685 in 2010, and #2,405 in 2025. Of the 295,782 US girls named Shannon since records began, 38% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1980s come next, with 78,420 babies. Since 2010, 3,193 more have been named Shannon.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Tracy and Tracey.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Shannon ranked highest in Massachusetts, Illinois, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #862 | 6 |
| Illinois | #1102 | 8 |
| California | #2252 | 9 |
| Texas | #3239 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Shannon is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 77% of US babies named Shannon were girls and 23% were boys.
Shannon is usually pronounced SHA-nuhn, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with S and ends in “-on”.
Middle names for Shannon
A few middle names that flow with Shannon: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Shannon
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Lists that include Shannon
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Shannon mean?
Shannon is often said to mean “from the River Shannon”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish roots.
What is the origin of the name Shannon?
Shannon has Irish roots. Shannon comes from the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland, called Sionainn in Irish.
Is Shannon a popular name?
Not especially. Shannon ranked #2,405 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Shannon a boy or girl name?
Shannon is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 77% of US babies named Shannon were girls and 23% were boys.
How do you pronounce Shannon?
Shannon is usually pronounced SHA-nuhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings