The McCann surname, with its roots deep in the history of Ireland, forms an important part of the Gaelic culture and tradition. This common Irish surname, like most others of Gaelic origin, is patronymic. It originally was “Mac Cana,” which signifies being the ‘son of Cana.’ The primary sept of the family, carrying the McCann surname, settled in the historic territory of Oriel, which encompasses parts of the modern counties of Armagh and Monaghan.
Etymology and Meaning
The name McCann comes from the Gaelic ‘Mac Cana,’ where ‘Mac’ signifies ‘son of’ and ‘Cana’ is a personal name derived from ‘cano’ meaning ‘wolf cub.’ Therefore, the McCann surname roughly translates to ‘son of the young wolf,’ a testament to the fierceness and resilience of the clan members.
Earliest Known Usage
The earliest records of the McCann surname are associated with the ancient sept of Mac Cana, lords of Clanbrasil, a district in County Armagh. Their influence was considerable until the time of Elizabeth I, when, like many Gaelic families, they lost their power due to the English conquest.
Geographic Distribution
Historically, the McCann family was settled around the modern-day counties of Armagh and Monaghan in the province of Ulster. The family had a significant presence in the northern part of Ireland, but like many Irish families, the McCanns spread to other parts of Ireland and the world due to various socio-political reasons.
Original Geographic Location
As mentioned above, the original homeland of the McCann family was in the historic territory of Oriel. Clanbrassil, a territory within Oriel, was the main stronghold of the McCanns. Their influence in this region lasted until the Elizabethan era, after which their power diminished.
Migration Patterns
The 17th century and the following years marked a time of vast upheaval and forced migration for many Irish families, including the McCanns. The oppressive laws imposed by the English colonizers, coupled with economic hardship and the Great Famine of the mid-19th century, led to a mass exodus of Irish families to the New World, especially North America and Australia. Thus, the McCann name is now common in these regions and across the world, wherever the Irish diaspora settled.
Historical Context
Notable Historical Events
The McCanns were active participants in Irish history, particularly during the Gaelic Resurgence in the late Middle Ages. They were known as fierce warriors and prominent leaders. However, their influence waned significantly following the Tudor conquest of Ireland.
Involvement in Key Moments in History
In the modern era, members of the McCann family were involved in the Irish struggle for independence in the early 20th century. They participated in various capacities, from fighting in the Irish Republican Army to being part of political organizations advocating for Irish rights and sovereignty.
Notable Irish Bearers of the Surname
Famous Individuals
Some notable McCanns in recent history include Eamonn McCann, a prominent Irish civil rights activist and politician, and Gerald McCann, an acclaimed musician. There are also several notable McCanns in the field of sports and arts.
Influential Figures
A noteworthy bearer of the McCann surname in the literary world is Colum McCann, an international best-selling Irish author known for his works like “Let the Great World Spin,” which won the National Book Award in 2009.
Variations of the Surname
Spelling Variations
Common spelling variations of the McCann surname include MacCann, MacCan, and sometimes Cann. These differences often resulted from a lack of standardization in spelling in early records, phonetic translations, and anglicization.
Regional Differences
While McCann is the most widely used version, some families, especially those that migrated to different countries, might have slightly different versions of the surname, often adapted to fit the language and culture of their new homes.
Current Statistics and Distribution
Frequency and Global Distribution
Today, the McCann surname is prevalent not only in Ireland but also in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK, testament to the widespread Irish diaspora. It remains a common Irish surname, ranked as the 60th most common in Ireland.
Changes Over Time
Over the years, the distribution of the McCann family has significantly changed, primarily due to emigration from Ireland. However, the name remains deeply tied to its Irish roots and carries a rich history that extends beyond the geographic boundaries of Ireland.
Family Coat of Arms
The McCann family coat of arms is a symbol of their rich heritage. It features a silver shield with a red hand (a common emblem in Ulster heraldry) and three red lions, signifying courage and bravery. The family motto, “Fortis et Fidus,” meaning “Brave and Trustworthy,” is also a reflection of the family’s character and history.
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