Shanah is a unique and enchanting name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "shanah," which means "year." This name holds significant historical and cultural importance in Judaism, as it is used to greet others during the Jewish New Year celebration known as Rosh Hashanah.
The name Shanah has been popular among Jewish families for centuries, with its earliest recorded use dating back to the 19th century. It was often given to girls born around the time of Rosh Hashanah or to honor the holiday itself. In some cases, Shanah was also used as a surname, particularly in Eastern Europe.
While the name Shanah is strongly associated with Judaism, it has gained popularity among people of various backgrounds in recent years. Its unique sound and spelling make it stand out from more common names, while its association with new beginnings and renewal appeals to many parents seeking distinctive names for their children.
In addition to its Hebrew origin, some sources suggest that Shanah may also have roots in Irish Gaelic, where it is said to mean "old." However, this connection is not as widely accepted or documented as the Hebrew origins of the name.
Regardless of its origins, Shanah remains a captivating and meaningful name choice for those looking for something unique yet significant. Whether given in honor of Jewish heritage or simply admired for its beauty, Shanah carries with it a rich history and deep symbolic meaning that makes it an appealing option for parents-to-be.
The name Shanah has been given to a total of 295 babies in the United States since 1969, according to available birth records. The popularity of this name seems to have fluctuated over time.
From 1969 to 1970, there were only 8 and 9 births respectively with the name Shanah each year. However, there was a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Shanah from 1977 onwards, with 17 births that year alone.
The peak years for the name Shanah appear to be between 1984 and 1985, with 17 births in each of those years. This suggests a trend towards increased use of this name during the mid-1980s.
After the early 1990s, the popularity of the name Shanah seemed to decline once again, with fewer than 14 births per year from 1992 onwards. However, there were still several years in which more than 5 babies were named Shanah between 1995 and 2008.
Overall, these statistics indicate that while the name Shanah has not been among the most popular choices for parents in the United States over the past five decades, it has nonetheless been given to a notable number of children during certain periods.