Last Name Canning

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Canning

Regarding the ethnic identity associated with the surname Canning, the Decennial U.S. Census data reveals a diverse mix. The majority identified as White, although this percentage saw a slight decrease from 94.48% in 2000 to 93.63% in 2010. The percentage of individuals identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander rose significantly, registering an increase of 63.83%, while those identifying as two or more races also increased by 24.83%. The Hispanic population with the Canning surname saw a growth of 25.66%. Conversely, the Black and American Indian and Alaskan Native populations both experienced decreases, with reductions of 8.09% and 19.35% respectively.

	2000	2010	Change
White	94.48%	93.63%	-0.9%
Hispanic	1.52%	1.91%	25.66%
Two or More Races	1.49%	1.86%	24.83%
Black	1.73%	1.59%	-8.09%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.47%	0.77%	63.83%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.31%	0.25%	-19.35%

Canning ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Canning is British & Irish, which comprises 60.9% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (16.3%) and Eastern European (7.0%). Additional ancestries include Italian, Scandinavian, Ashkenazi Jewish, Spanish & Portuguese, and Greek & Balkan.

Ready to learn more about your ancestry? Get the most comprehensive ancestry breakdown on the market by taking our DNA test.

ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
British & Irish	60.9%
French & German	16.3%
Eastern European	7.0%
Other	15.9%

Your maternal lineage may be linked to the nomadic Tuareg of the Sahara

Though haplogroup H1 rarely reaches high frequencies beyond western Europe, over 60% of eastern Tuareg in Libya belong to haplogroup H1. The Tuareg call themselves the Imazghan, meaning “free people.” They are an isolated, semi-nomadic people who inhabit the West-Central Sahara and are known today for a distinctive dark blue turban worn by the men, and for their long history as gatekeepers of the desert.How did women carrying H1 make it all the way from western Europe to this isolated community? They likely migrated from Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar into Morocco after the Last Ice Age, where they were assimilated into the Berbers of the Mediterranean coast. Then, about 5,000 years ago, the Sahara shifted from a period of relative habitable conditions to its dramatically arid desert environment. This shift may have caused migrations throughout the Sahara, prompting the ancient Tuaregs to meet and mingle with the Berbers, bringing H1 lineages into their population.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Canning

The meaning and origin of the last name Canning

The surname Canning is of English and Irish origin. In England, it is derived from the medieval personal name Caning, which itself is a shortened form of Canute. Canute was a popular name in the Middle Ages, having been borne by several Anglo-Saxon kings, including the renowned Danish King Canute the Great. The surname may have been a nickname for someone who resembled King Canute in appearance or character. In Ireland, Canning is an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Ó Canannáin, meaning "descendant of Canannán." The Irish name Canannán is believed to be a diminutive of the personal name Canann, which is of uncertain meaning. The name Canning has spread throughout the English-speaking world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, due to historical migrations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Canning

The surname Canning has a diverse geographical distribution across the world. Primarily originating from England, it has spread to various English-speaking countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand due to migration and colonial history. In England, it can be found across the country, with concentrations in cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Additionally, Ireland has a notable presence of the Canning surname, particularly in the western regions such as County Mayo and County Galway. The roots of the name can also be traced back to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Outside of the British Isles, Canning can be found in places with historical connections to Britain, including South Africa, India, and the Caribbean. As a result, the distribution of the surname Canning reflects the broad diaspora of English and Irish populations, as well as the influence of British colonial expansion throughout history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Canning

The last name Canning can have several variations and spellings, reflecting its historical evolution and different regional influences. Among the variations, one can find Cannon, Caning, Cannings, Canings, Canynges, Cannyng, and Canynge. These variations may have emerged due to changes in pronunciation over time or differences in dialects and accents. Additionally, spelling variations could occur when individuals migrated, as interpretations of names could differ across regions and among local scribes or record-keepers. It is also common for surnames to undergo changes when families move to countries with different language systems, leading to further discrepancies in the spelling and pronunciations. The variations and spellings of the last name Canning demonstrate the dynamic nature of surnames and how they can evolve through time and geographic locations.

Famous people with the last name Canning

One famous figure with the last name Canning is George Canning (1770-1827), a prominent British politician and statesman. Serving as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1827 until his death, he played a significant role in shaping British foreign policy during the early 19th century. Canning was known for his eloquence and persuasive skills, which earned him respect and admiration among his contemporaries. He pursued an effective foreign policy, promoting free trade and seeking to expand British influence overseas. Canning was also involved in several significant domestic reforms, like the liberalization of trade policies and Catholic Emancipation, which granted political rights to Catholics in Great Britain. His tenure as Prime Minister was unfortunately cut short by his untimely death, but his contributions to British politics and foreign affairs continue to be remembered and appreciated.

Genealogical research on the last name Canning

The last name Canning has a rich genealogical history that can be traced back to ancient Britain. The name is derived from the Old English word "canne" which means a "can" or "vessel." It is believed that the name initially referred to those who made or sold cans or containers. The Canning family first emerged in the records of Yorkshire in the 13th century. Over the centuries, the name spread throughout England, and some branches of the family eventually migrated to other parts of the British Isles, such as Scotland and Ireland. The Canning family played various roles in society, with some being farmers, tradespeople, or even influential politicians. Notable individuals bearing the Canning surname include George Canning, a prominent British statesman and Prime Minister in the early 19th century. Today, descendants of the Canning family can be found across the globe, as members of this family name have migrated to different countries, contributing to its diverse and widespread presence.