Shannan

Shannan is a masculine name with Irish and Gaelic origins, though it's used for both genders in different regions. Derived from the River Shannon in Ireland, the name means "old river" or "wise river." As a masculine name, Shannan emerged as a distinctive alternative to Shannon, which has become more commonly used for girls in recent decades. The name peaked in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s in the United States but has since become less common. Shannan carries a strong, masculine sound while maintaining Celtic roots. Famous bearers include Australian rules footballer Shannan McPherson and American football player Shannan Eastin, helping establish the name's masculine usage despite its similarity to the more femininely-associated Shannon.

Pronounced SHAN-un.

As of October 2026, Shannan ranked #11339 in US births in 1999 SSA, peaked at #1927 in 1974.