Shanna Girl

Popularity: #941 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: SHAN-uh /ˈʃænə/

Origin: Hebrew; Irish

Meaning: Hebrew: 'lily'; Irish: 'God is gracious'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Shanna is believed to have roots in Hebrew, derived from the word "shanah," which means "to change" or "to transform." This etymological origin reflects a broader linguistic journey through various cultures and languages. The name has also been associated with the Gaelic name "Sionna," which is derived from the word for the river Shannon in Ireland, linking it to the natural world and its significance in Celtic culture.

The transition into English likely occurred through the influence of both Hebrew and Gaelic traditions, particularly during the periods of cultural exchange in the Middle Ages. Historically, the name Shanna has been linked to various figures and traditions.

While it does not appear prominently in biblical texts or historical records like some other names, its Hebrew roots connect it to a rich tapestry of Jewish tradition and spirituality. The name's association with transformation resonates with themes found in various religious and philosophical texts throughout history.

In the context of Gaelic culture, the river Shannon has been a significant geographical and cultural landmark, symbolizing life and continuity, which may have contributed to the name's appeal. Culturally, Shanna embodies themes of change and renewal, making it a name that carries a sense of hope and possibility.

This symbolic resonance has allowed it to endure across generations. The name may also have diminutive forms such as "Shan" or "Shanny," which have been used affectionately in various contexts.

Overall, Shanna reflects a blend of linguistic heritage and cultural significance, embodying both transformation and connection to nature.

Famous people named Shanna

In this section, you will find notable people named Shanna. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Shanna who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Shanna who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Shanna Moakler is a model and actress best known for Miss USA, The Wedding Singer, and Dancing with the Stars.

Shanna Swendson is an author best known for the Enchanted, Inc. series.

Fictional characters named Shanna

The following list of fictional characters named Shanna is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.

You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.

Shanna is a fictional character from the comic book series Shanna the She-Devil. She is a fierce warrior and adventurer who often battles both human and prehistoric threats in the jungles of Africa.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Shanna, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

SavannahShaylaSiennaShilohSabrinaSamantha

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Shanna. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.

SharaShiraShayShylaShaniceShanellShanika

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Shanna was first seen in the United States in 1931.

Shanna has ranked as high as #293 nationally, which occurred in 1978, and has been most popular in Texas, California, New York, Florida, and Ohio.

In the past 5 years the name Shanna has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Shanna is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Shanna was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Shanna.

Year Total Births Boy Girl
2025 7 0 7
2024 10 0 10
2023 7 0 7
2022 9 0 9
2021 14 0 14
2020 11 0 11
2019 17 0 17
2018 11 0 11
2017 20 0 20
2016 14 0 14
2015 17 0 17
2014 23 0 23
2013 31 0 31
2012 22 0 22
2011 33 0 33
2010 43 0 43
2009 58 0 58
2008 66 0 66
2007 114 0 114
2006 138 0 138
2005 129 0 129
2004 135 0 135
2003 122 0 122
2002 132 0 132
2001 166 0 166
2000 152 0 152
1999 187 0 187
1998 195 0 195
1997 238 0 238
1996 288 0 288
1995 281 0 281
1994 350 0 350
1993 403 0 403
1992 466 0 466
1991 589 0 589
1990 589 0 589
1989 553 0 553
1988 670 0 670
1987 744 0 744
1986 855 0 855
1985 1,063 5 1,058
1984 1,227 10 1,217
1983 1,044 0 1,044
1982 1,223 10 1,213
1981 1,260 5 1,255
1980 1,527 7 1,520
1979 1,805 12 1,793
1978 1,855 10 1,845
1977 1,613 5 1,608
1976 690 0 690
1975 601 0 601
1974 672 12 660
1973 648 6 642
1972 617 6 611
1971 603 0 603
1970 759 0 759
1969 606 0 606
1968 346 0 346
1967 304 0 304
1966 246 0 246
1965 193 0 193
1964 207 0 207
1963 163 0 163
1962 125 0 125
1961 125 0 125
1960 103 0 103
1959 100 0 100
1958 77 0 77
1957 69 0 69
1956 54 0 54
1955 52 0 52
1954 58 0 58
1953 41 0 41
1952 23 0 23
1951 26 0 26
1950 33 0 33
1949 32 0 32
1948 31 0 31
1947 32 0 32
1946 25 0 25
1945 18 0 18
1944 21 0 21
1943 22 0 22
1942 22 0 22
1941 14 0 14
1940 13 0 13
1939 13 0 13
1938 14 0 14
1937 7 0 7
1936 9 0 9
1935 9 0 9
1934 6 0 6
1933 5 0 5
1932 6 0 6
1931 6 0 6

Top States for Shanna (2012)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
CA 5
100%