Shannan

Irish
"old and wise"

Shannan Origin and Meaning

The name Shannan is a boy's name.

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.

Famous People Named Shannan

  • Shannan Ponton
    personal trainer on "The Biggest Loser" Australia
  • Shannan Taylor
    Australian boxer
  • Shannan William McPherson
    Australian rugby league player