Shannah Name Meaning, Origin & History

Name Meaning & Origin

Shannah

🔊 SHAN-ah  /ˈʃænə/ or /ʃɑːˈnɑː/

"Gracious gift"

(Hebrew) Origin Christianity Predominantly Female 📈 Peak 1978 👥 1,378 in US Christian Biblical Spiritual

Data last updated: 2025 SSA records

📖
Meaning
Gracious gift
🌍
Origin
(Hebrew)
👥
US Bearers
1,378
Life Path
Number 9

📖 What Does Shannah Mean?

From the Hebrew shanah, meaning 'gracious' or 'gift'. In the Bible, the name Shannah is borne by two women: the wife of Rehoboam and the mother of King Hezekiah.

Root Element
Shannah
Core Meaning
"Gracious gift"
Language
English, Greek, Latin
Themes
Grace · Beauty

🌐 Shannah in Different Languages

🇬🇧 English
Shannah
Shannah means gracious, merciful, or renewed

The name Shannah originates from the Hebrew word 'שנה' (Shannah), meaning 'gracious' or 'merciful'. It is associated with renewal and spiritual growth. In Christian tradition, Shannah symbolizes a …

Personality of Shannah

Emotional Traits

Compassionate Nurturing

Hidden Personality

S = Sensitive

🍀 Lucky Attributes

📅
Lucky Day
Saturday
🔢
Lucky Number
19
💎
Lucky Stone
Carnelian
🌟
Life Path
9

Lucky Colors

Pink
Silver

Numerology: People with the life path number 9 are often described as the teachers, humanitarians, and philanthropists of the world. They are natural healers and nurturers.

🔢 Numerology of Shannah

S 1
H 8
A 1
N 5
N 5
A 1
H 8
SUM 11
11
Life Path
Intuition & Insight
2
Soul Urge
Harmony & Diplomacy
9
Personality
Compassion & Idealism

Life Path 11 — Intuition & Insight: Highly intuitive, idealistic, and visionary.

🕊️ Cultural & Spiritual Significance

Cultural Impact

The name Shannah, derived from the Hebrew language, holds a rich cultural history in Christian tradition. In the Old Testament, the name is borne by two significant female characters in Jewish history. Shannah, wife of Rehoboam, played a crucial role in stabilizing the northern kingdom of Israel after her husband's reign. Her name, meaning 'gracious', reflected her Temperament and demeanor as she helped bridge the gap between the returning exiles and the Israelites. The second character, Shannah, mother of King Hezekiah, was a prophetess and a recent interpretation considers her to be the same woman as Huldah, a wise and powerful woman mentioned in 2 Kings 22 and Jeremiah 1. The name Shannah serves as a reminder of the gracious women who have played critical roles in shaping Jewish and Christian history.

Spiritual Significance

The name Shannah holds profound spiritual significance for Christians. In Hebrew, the name Shannah means 'gracious' or 'gift'. For Christians, this name signifies the endless grace and gifts bestowed upon us by God. It is a reminder of the undeserved mercy and love God extends to every individual, regardless of their past or present. Shannah serves as an inspiration to live a life of gratitude and kindness, embodying the spirit of generosity, forgiveness, and compassion shown to us by God. The name Shannah is a reminder that we are all recipients of God's graciousness, and we are called to extend that same grace and gifts to others.

📊 Shannah in Numbers

1,378 US bearers
1978 Peak year
Predominantly Female Predominant gender
Full statistics →

Age breakdown · state data · decade charts · popularity trend — all on the full statistics page.

🗺️ Global Popularity

Overall Popularity Score 50/100
🌍 France
39%
🇺🇸 United States
43%

Historical Journey

🌱
Ancient Roots

Root element "Shannah" emerges in (Hebrew) tradition, carrying the core meaning "Gracious gift".

📜
Classical Period

Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.

⚔️
Medieval Period

Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.

🌊
Modern Adoption

Standardized in its current form. Continues to be used across multiple cultures worldwide.

📈
Today (2026)

~1,378 people named Shannah in the US. Peaked in 1978 with 51 recorded uses.

🏛️
Throughout Christian History

The name Shannah has been used throughout Christian history by saints, scholars, and faithful believers who exemplified its meaning.

Modern Usage

Shannah is a modern name of Hebrew origin, meaning 'gracious gift'. It is a variation of the biblical name Hanah, which means 'grace' or 'favour'. In modern usage, Shannah is a popular name in certain regions, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. It is also used in various social media platforms, games, and other modern contexts.

Famous People Named Shannah

S
Shannah Hall (actress)
S
Shannah Laverty (model)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Shannah mean?

Shannah means "Gracious gift" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.

Is Shannah a good Christian name?

Yes, Shannah is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.

What is the origin of the name Shannah?

Shannah has (Hebrew) origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.

What is the numerology number for Shannah?

The Life Path number for Shannah is 11, associated with Intuition & Insight. Soul Urge: 2. Personality: 9.

Is Shannah a boy or girl name?

Shannah is Predominantly Female. Based on US data, 0% male and 100% female.

How many people are named Shannah in the US?

Approximately 1,378 people in the United States are named Shannah. The name peaked in 1978 with 51 recorded uses.

🔗 Related & Similar Names

Related Names

Hannah meaning Shana meaning

Similar Sounding

Shannon meaning Shanae meaning

From Our Database

Steven meaning Sandra meaning Stephen meaning Samuel meaning Sharon meaning

🔍 Look up another name's meaning