What is the origin of the last name Annan?

The surname "Annan" is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the place name Annan, a town in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. The name is believed to come from the Celtic word "an", meaning "without" or "beyond", which could refer to the river Annan that flows through the town. The surname Annan is also found in Ghana, where it is a common Akan surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Annan

The meaning and origin of the last name Annan

The surname Annan is of Scottish origin, derived from the place name Annan in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. The name is believed to come from the Old Welsh word "an", meaning "solitary" or "only", and the Celtic word "ann", meaning "river". This suggests that the name may have originally referred to someone who lived near a solitary river or a river named Annan. The Annan River flows through the town of Annan in Scotland, and the surname may have been adopted by those who lived in or around this area. Over time, the name became a hereditary surname passed down from generation to generation, and can now be found throughout the world among individuals whose ancestors hailed from Scotland. Today, the surname Annan is relatively rare, but can still be found in various parts of the UK and other English-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Annan

The surname Annan is of Scottish origin and is derived from the town of Annan in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. The geographical distribution of the last name Annan shows a concentration in the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland. There are also significant numbers of individuals with the surname Annan in Ghana, where it is a common surname among the Akan people. In the United States, the name is less common but can be found scattered throughout various states. Additionally, there are smaller populations of individuals with the last name Annan in Canada, Australia, and other parts of the world where Scottish or Ghanaian immigrants have settled. Overall, the surname Annan has a relatively localized distribution with its strongest presence in Scotland and Ghana.

Variants and spellings of the last name Annan

The last name Annan can have various spelling variations, including Annand, Annen, and Annon. Other possible variations may include Annane, Annandale, and Annandar. Additionally, some common misspellings of the name Annan are Anon, Annin, and Anan. The surname Annan is likely of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "an fhionn," meaning "the fair one." It is a relatively uncommon name, but its variations can be found in different parts of the world due to migration and anglicization of surnames. Overall, the surname Annan and its variations have a unique and distinctive sound, making it a memorable and interesting name to come across in family histories and genealogical research.

Famous people with the last name Annan

Kofi Annan was a renowned Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1997 to 2006. During his time in office, he was known for his efforts to promote human rights, peacekeeping, and the fight against poverty and HIV/AIDS. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001, along with the UN, for their work in creating a better organized and more peaceful world. Kofi Annan was widely respected for his leadership and commitment to global issues, and his legacy continues to inspire others to work towards a more just and peaceful world. Overall, the Annan family has made significant contributions to the world through their dedication to diplomacy and humanitarian efforts.

Genealogical research on the last name Annan

The surname Annan is of Scottish origin, derived from the village of Annan in Dumfriesshire in southwest Scotland. The name is believed to be a locational surname, indicating that the original bearers of the surname hailed from or had some connection to the village of Annan. The first recorded instance of the name can be traced back to the 12th century when a family bearing the surname held lands in Dumfriesshire. Over the centuries, the Annan surname spread to other parts of Scotland and eventually to other English-speaking countries through migration and immigration. Today, individuals with the surname Annan can be found around the world, and genealogical research can uncover connections to famous individuals such as former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

Last updated :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names