Shannon

/SHAN-un/

Irish

Shannon is an Irish baby name pronounced /SHAN-un/. The name means 'old river' or 'wise river'.

Meaning of Shannon

The name means 'old river' or 'wise river'.

It is derived from the Irish name Sionainn, which is linked to the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland. The name stems from the Old Irish 'sen' meaning old or ancient, combined with 'abhann' meaning river. In Irish mythology, Sionann was a goddess who sought wisdom from the Well of Wisdom and was transformed into the river.

Origin
Irish
Pronunciation
/SHAN-un/

Cultural background

While originally used for boys in Ireland, it became a highly popular unisex name in the United States and Commonwealth countries during the mid-to-late 20th century.

Variations & nicknames

  • Shannen
  • Shanon
  • Shannan
  • Shannyn
  • Shana
  • Shan

Famous people named Shannon

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Shannon Leto

    American musician and drummer for the band Thirty Seconds to Mars

    Music · Modern

  • Shannon Doherty

    American actress known for Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed

    Film · Modern

  • Shannon Sharpe

    Former NFL tight end and sports commentator

    Sport · Modern

  • Shannon Lucid

    American biochemist and retired NASA astronaut

    Science · Modern

  • Shannon Elizabeth

    American actress and former fashion model

    Film · Modern

  • Shannon Hoon

    Lead singer of the rock band Blind Melon

    Music · 1990s

Frequently asked about Shannon

Is Shannon a girl's name or a boy's name?
Shannon is a unisex name. While it is more commonly given to girls in North America, it has a history of use for boys, particularly in Ireland and among athletes like Shannon Sharpe.
What is the Irish origin of Shannon?
It originates from the River Shannon (Sionainn) in Ireland, which is named after the Celtic goddess Sionann.
Is Shannon a common name today?
Shannon reached its peak popularity in the 1970s and 80s; while it remains a well-recognized classic, it is less frequently chosen for newborns today compared to that era.

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