Shenna is a unique and captivating female name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname Ó Siodhna, which means "descendant of Siodhna." The name Siodhna itself comes from the Old Irish word "síd," meaning fairy mound or hill.
The name Shenna has a rich history and cultural significance in Ireland. According to Irish mythology, the Tuatha Dé Danann, a supernatural race who inhabited Ireland before the arrival of the Gaels, were believed to live in sídh (fairy hills). These fairy mounds were considered sacred places where the fairies could interact with humans.
People named Shenna are often seen as carriers of this ancient Irish heritage and are associated with wisdom, mystery, and enchantment. The name has gained popularity beyond Ireland, particularly among those interested in Celtic culture and mythology. Despite its roots in the past, Shenna remains a contemporary choice for parents seeking an unusual yet meaningful name for their daughters.
In terms of pronunciation, Shenna is typically pronounced as "SHEN-nah," with the stress on the second syllable. It rhymes with words like "then" and "wen." This pronunciation helps to emphasize the unique sound of this distinctive Irish name.
Overall, Shenna is an intriguing choice for parents looking for a name that combines ancient history, cultural significance, and a captivating sound. Its origins in Irish mythology make it an excellent choice for families interested in Celtic heritage or those simply seeking a memorable name for their child.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Shenna has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years in the United States.
From 1948 to 1976, the number of births with the name Shenna fluctuated between 5 and 26 per year. The peak during this period was reached in 1977 with 26 births, after which the popularity of the name began to decline.
The years 1981 to 1985 marked a significant increase in the number of babies named Shenna, with a peak of 179 births in 1984. This was an exceptionally high number compared to previous years and suggests that there may have been a particular fascination or trend associated with this name during this time.
However, after 1985, the popularity of the name Shenna declined sharply. Between 1986 and 2000, the annual births with this name ranged from 4 to 17, with the majority of years falling below 10 births per year.
Overall, while Shenna was once a popular name in the United States, particularly during the late 1970s and early-to-mid 1980s, its popularity has since declined. Despite this, over a thousand babies have been named Shenna in total over the years (1328 births), demonstrating that it remains a recognizable and chosen name for some parents.