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Shannon Name Meaning & Details

Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Shannon

Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name SHANNON. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.

Name

Shannon

Gender

Male

Origin

Irish

Lucky Number

4

Meaning of the Name

Shannon is an anglicized form of the Irish name Sionainn, derived from the river name Sionainn, which may mean 'old river' or 'wise river'.

Stages of a Male

Complete Numerology Analysis

Your Numerology Number

4

Based on Pythagorean Numerology System

Ruling Planet

Uranus (Rahu)

Positive Nature

Strong sense of order, loyal, practical, and disciplined.

Negative Traits

Stubborn, overly serious, rigid, and prone to feeling restricted.

Lucky Colours

Blue, gray.

Lucky Days

Saturday.

Lucky Stones

Blue sapphire.

Harmony Numbers

1, 7, 8.

Best Suited Professions

Managers, engineers, accountants, organizers.

What People Like About You

Dependability, discipline, practicality.

Famous People Named Shannon

Shannon Sharpe

Professional Football Player

NFL Hall of Fame tight end and 3-time Super Bowl champion

Shannon Hoon

Musician

Lead singer of Blind Melon, known for 90s alternative rock hit 'No Rain'

Shannon Lucid

Astronaut

NASA astronaut who held record for longest duration spaceflight by a woman

Shannon Briggs

Professional Boxer

Two-time world heavyweight boxing champion

Name Variations & International Equivalents

Sionainn Irish Gaelic Shannen English Shanon English Seanan Irish

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Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Shannon carries profound cultural significance rooted in Irish mythology and geography. Originating from the River Shannon (Sionainn), Ireland's longest river, the name connects to the legendary figure Sionnan, granddaughter of the sea god Lir. According to mythological tradition, Sionnan sought the wisdom of Connla's Well, the source of all knowledge, against divine warnings. Her pursuit caused the well's waters to rise and flow across the land, creating the river that would bear her name. This origin story imbues the name with meanings of wisdom, curiosity, and the powerful flow of knowledge. Historically, the River Shannon has been central to Irish civilization for millennia, serving as a natural boundary, transportation route, and spiritual symbol. The name transitioned from the Ó Seanáin surname to a popular given name, particularly during the Irish diaspora when many immigrants carried their cultural heritage to new lands. The name's journey from ancient mythology to modern usage represents the enduring power of Irish cultural identity and the transmission of heritage across generations and continents.

Extended Personality Analysis

Individuals named Shannon typically exhibit a fascinating blend of traditional wisdom and contemporary adaptability. The name's meaning, 'little old wise one,' often manifests in personality traits such as strong intuition, emotional intelligence, and natural leadership abilities. Shannons tend to be excellent communicators who balance thoughtful insight with approachable warmth, making them effective mediators and trusted confidants. They frequently demonstrate resilience and practical problem-solving skills, drawing from an inherent understanding of life's cyclical nature. Many Shannons show a deep connection to family and cultural roots while embracing progressive ideas, creating a bridge between tradition and innovation. Their personality often includes a strong sense of justice, compassion for others, and the ability to see multiple perspectives in complex situations. This combination of ancient wisdom and modern relevance makes Shannon a name associated with balanced, insightful individuals who navigate life with both practical intelligence and spiritual depth, often serving as stabilizing influences in their communities and relationships.

Modern Usage & Popularity

In contemporary naming practices, Shannon has undergone significant evolution in usage patterns and gender associations. While traditionally and historically a male name in Ireland, it experienced a dramatic shift in the United States and other English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century, becoming predominantly female. The name peaked in popularity for girls during the 1970s, ranking among the top 50 female names in the US, largely influenced by cultural trends and celebrity usage. However, since the 1990s, Shannon has declined in popularity for both genders, making it a more distinctive choice today. Current naming trends show a modest resurgence of Shannon as a male name, particularly among parents seeking authentic Irish names with strong cultural heritage. The name maintains moderate usage in Ireland, the United States, Canada, and Australia, with many parents appreciating its melodic quality and rich historical significance. Modern Shannons often navigate the name's gender-ambiguous contemporary usage while embracing its authentic Irish masculine origins, creating an interesting dynamic in how the name is perceived and experienced across different generations and cultural contexts.

Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings

Symbolically, Shannon represents the continuous flow of wisdom, tradition, and cultural heritage through time, much like the eternal movement of the river that inspired it. The name embodies the metaphorical concept of ancient knowledge flowing into modern consciousness, symbolizing the unbroken connection between past and present. It carries deep meanings of depth, persistence, and adaptability—qualities inherent to rivers that patiently carve their paths through landscapes over centuries. The 'little old wise one' interpretation suggests the beautiful paradox of youth containing ancient wisdom, representing the idea that true understanding transcends chronological age and personal experience. Symbolically, Shannon connects to themes of personal journey and transformation, reflecting how individuals, like rivers, constantly evolve while maintaining their core identity. The name also symbolizes emotional intelligence and intuitive understanding, reminiscent of the hidden currents and profound depths within flowing waters. In broader spiritual contexts, Shannon can represent the flow of universal life energy, the graceful passage of time, and the accumulation of collective wisdom that passes through familial and cultural lineages, making it a name rich with metaphorical significance and poetic resonance.

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