Meaning: Its source is a Gaelic expression meaning "Old one."

Narrative: This Irish placename and surname is mainly popular as a first name in the U.S.

Meaning: Its source is a Gaelic expression meaning "Old one."

Popularity: The name Shannan ranked 1841st in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Though this name appears on the 1990 U.S. Census lists, it is used by only a small percentage of the general population.

Narrative: This Irish river name and surname is especially popular in the U.S. Its meaning might refer to an ancient Celtic diety identified with the river.

Scholars speculate that Shannon may owe its American popularity to its similarity to Sharon, or to its rhyming reference to the more traditional Irish name Erin.