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Last Name Quann

What is the origin of the last name Quann?

The surname Quann is of Irish and Scottish origin. In Ireland, it is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name O'hUidhrin, which means "descendant of Hugh" or "hawk-like". In Scotland, it may be a variant of the Scottish Gaelic MacQuarrie or MacQuarron, which are septs of Clan MacLean, from the island of Mull in Argyll. These names all have roots in the medieval era and were often changed to more anglicized forms during the English colonization of Ireland and Scotland.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Quann

The meaning and origin of the last name Quann

The surname Quann is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name O' Cuana, which means "descendant of Cuán." Cuán was a personal name that meant "hound" or "dog" in Irish. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved due to various factors such as anglicization and migration. The surname Quann is primarily found in Ireland, particularly in counties Galway and Mayo. Notable individuals with this surname include American singer-songwriter Bill Quan (also known as Bill Withers) and Canadian hockey player Darcy Quenneville.

Geographical distribution of the last name Quann

The surname Quann is predominantly found in regions with significant African-American populations, particularly in the United States, primarily within the Southern states such as Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. This surname also has a presence in Caribbean countries like Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago, which have strong historical links to the US due to slavery and subsequent migration patterns. Additionally, some occurrences of the name can be found in Canada, particularly in Ontario and Nova Scotia, where there were significant migrations from the Southern United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries. However, it is important to note that the Quann surname is relatively uncommon compared to other African-American surnames, which may be a result of its origins being more recent or tied to specific migration events.

Variants and spellings of the last name Quann

The surname Quann can have several variations and spelling differences due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, and individual preferences over time. Some common variations of the surname Quann include Quinn, O'Quinn, and McQuinn, which are derived from the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Cuana" or "Mac Cuana", meaning "descendant of Cuán". Other spellings include Kwann, Qwann, and Quaan. These variations can also appear with prefixes such as Mac, O' (O'Quinn), or Mc (McQuinn). In some cases, the name may be anglicized or Americanized to forms like Quinnan, Quin, or even Kwon for individuals of Korean descent who share a similar-sounding surname.

Famous people with the last name Quann

Notable individuals bearing the surname Quann include:

1. Lena Horne (born Lena Horne Brown, later adopted the stage name Lena Quann): An American singer, actress, and civil rights activist, who was among the first black women to break racial barriers in Hollywood and enjoy success as a popular entertainer.

2. Robert Quann: A Canadian-American professor of physics at the University of Michigan known for his research on superconductivity, high-temperature superconductors, and quantum critical phenomena. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to the field of physics.

3. John Quann: A Native American artist who is a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation. Known for his contemporary paintings that draw inspiration from both traditional Native American iconography and popular culture, he has exhibited his work in museums and galleries around the world.

Genealogical research on the last name Quann

The surname Quann is primarily of Irish origin, deriving from the Gaelic O Cuana, meaning "descendant of Cuán." The name has several variations including Quin, Quinn, and Quane. The clan's roots can be traced back to County Clare in Ireland, where they were chieftains and landowners during medieval times. The Quann family migrated to England, Scotland, and the United States during the 17th and 18th centuries, primarily due to political unrest and economic hardships in Ireland. In America, the family settled predominantly in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Maryland, where they played significant roles in various industries such as agriculture, politics, and education. Notable individuals with the Quann surname include American football player Kevin Quann and Canadian musician Jerry Quan.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 28 July 2025

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