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Shannan

Girl name · 79 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Shannan: 79 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 16 births in 1995.

Shannan is generally considered an Anglicised form of the Irish name Sineád, itself derived from the French Jehanne, ultimately from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." It is also occasionally seen as a variant spelling of Shannon, which draws on the River Shannon, Ireland’s longest waterway. A well-known bearer is Shannen Doherty, the American actress famous for her roles in *Beverly Hills, 90210* and *Charmed*. The name’s connection to the River Shannon links it to Celtic mythology, where the river is named after Sionna, a goddess or granddaughter of the sea god Lir. While not historically common in Scotland, Shannan offers a softer, more individual twist on the classic Shannon, with a similar lilting rhythm.