Last Name Mccann

The last name McCann is of Irish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Mac Cana," which means "son of Cana." The prefix "Mac" means "son of," while "Cana" likely refers to a personal name, possibly derived from the word "can," meaning "fair" or "white." The surname McCann is most commonly found in Ireland, particularly in the counties of Armagh, Tyrone, and Monaghan.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mccann

The meaning and origin of the last name Mccann

The surname McCann has its origin in Ireland and is predominantly found in Northern Ireland. It is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Cana, translating to "son of Cana." The personal name Cana itself is thought to have been derived from the word "cano," meaning "wolf" in Gaelic. Historically, the surname McCann was connected to the ancient Clan Colla and was associated with County Armagh, County Tyrone, and County Donegal. Due to the Irish diaspora, individuals with the surname McCann can also be found in various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The name McCann carries a sense of pride and heritage for those who bear it, reflecting their Irish ancestry and history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mccann

The last name McCann has a widespread geographical distribution, with significant concentrations in both the United Kingdom and Ireland. In the UK, the name is predominantly found in Northern Ireland, especially in the counties of Antrim and Down. In Ireland, the name is most common in County Donegal, where it originated, as well as in County Monaghan. McCann can also be found in various other regions across both countries, such as Dublin, Belfast, and other major cities. Furthermore, the surname has expanded its presence beyond the British Isles, with notable populations in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Among these countries, the United States hosts the largest number of McCann families, with clusters in states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. In Canada, the name is often seen in Ontario and British Columbia, while in Australia, it is mainly found in New South Wales and Victoria. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name McCann reflects its Irish and Scottish origins, but highlights migrations and diasporas to different corners of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mccann

The last name McCann, originating from Ireland, has several variations and spellings. It can be spelled as MacCann, MacCan, MacAn, MacAnn, MacConn, MacCon, or McKann. These different variations stem from the anglicization of the Gaelic name "Mac Cana," meaning "son of Cana." The prefix "Mac" signifies "son of," and the second part of the name, "Cana," is believed to have derived from the personal name "Canaidh" or "Ceannach," meaning "merchant" or "buyer." Over time, different regions and dialect influences may have contributed to the diverse ways in which the name was spelled, resulting in the multiple variations seen today. As families migrated and blended with different cultures and languages, even more variations of the name may have emerged. Despite the various spellings, however, all these versions ultimately trace back to the same ancestral root.

Famous people with the last name Mccann

There are several famous individuals with the last name McCann who have made notable contributions in different fields. One such person is Gerald McCann, a renowned physicist and mathematics professor. He is highly regarded for his groundbreaking research in quantum mechanics and his significant contributions to the understanding of particle physics. Another notable figure is Claire McCann, an acclaimed writer and novelist. Her thought-provoking novels have captivated readers worldwide, with her works often exploring complex themes of love, loss, and personal growth. Additionally, Connor McCann, a talented professional footballer, has gained international recognition for his skills and achievements on the field. Known for his agility and precision, Connor has proven to be a vital asset to his team and has secured numerous titles throughout his career. These famous McCanns exemplify excellence and success in their respective fields, leaving a lasting impact on their industries.

Genealogical research on the last name Mccann

The name McCann is of Irish origin and is primarily associated with County Tyrone in Northern Ireland. The surname derives from the Gaelic name Mac Cana, which means "son of Cana." The Mac Cana clan was a prominent family during the medieval period, and their name can be found in various historical records. It is believed that they are descended from a combination of Gaelic and Norse heritage, reflecting the complex history of Ireland. Over time, the McCann lineage spread to other parts of Ireland and the world due to factors such as migration and emigration. Today, McCann is a relatively common surname found not only in Ireland but also in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, among others. Genealogical research on the McCann surname can uncover fascinating family histories and connections, shedding light on a rich Irish heritage.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mccann"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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 : 11 April 2025

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