Shannon

Shannon is the name of Ireland’s longest river. Apropos of this fact, the name is derived from the Gaelic elements “sean” meaning “old, wise one” and “abhann” meaning “river”. The River Shannon runs over 200 miles dividing the west of Ireland as it flows southwesterly toward the Atlantic Ocean. According to some legends, the river was named after a mortal woman Sinann who went searching for the Well of Knowledge said to contain magical hazel nuts fallen from nearby trees (The Celts believed the hazel nut provided infinite knowledge and inspiration for art and poetry). When she found the Well of Knowledge, Sinann was so eager to enhance her wisdom and creativity that she uncovered the lid without following the proper rites. The angry and powerful waters broke loose and formed the River Shannon, overwhelming the woman and leaving her to die on its shores. She was henceforth transformed into the Celtic goddess of the River Shannon (Sinann). It’s unclear when Shannon came into use as a forename, but it was probably created in the United States by Irish immigrants in the late 19th century as a nod to the Mother Land. The name gained broad appeal among all English speaking nations in the 20th century but has since seen diminishing returns. Today, Shannon is a Top 100 choice in Northern Ireland only. And that is, after all, where the River Shannon begins her journey!