Shannen

Irish
"old and wise"

Shannen Origin and Meaning

The name Shannen is a girl's name.

Shannen is a feminine name of Irish Gaelic origin, derived from 'Sionainn,' the Irish name for the River Shannon, Ireland's longest river. The name thus carries associations with flowing water and the natural beauty of the Irish landscape. Shannen gained international recognition particularly in the 1990s through actress Shannen Doherty. As a given name, it represents a modernized Anglicization of the traditional Irish element, making it accessible to English speakers while maintaining its Celtic roots. The spelling variation with double 'n' distinguishes it slightly from the more traditional Shannon. Popular primarily in English-speaking countries, Shannen appeals to parents seeking a name with Irish heritage that balances cultural authenticity with contemporary style.

# 894 in the US

Shannen Rank in US Top 1000

Famous People Named Shannen

  • Shannen Maria Doherty
    American actress
  • Shannen Reilly McGrath
    Irish TV personality ("Love Island")
  • Shannen Cassidy
    former stage name of Mary Kay Bergman, American voice actress
  • Shannen Rossmiller
    American lecturer and instructor in cyber counter,intelligence forensics

The name Shannen in Pop Culture

  • Rose/Shannen
    character in "The Cellar"