McShannon History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

The ancient Dalriadan kingdom consisted of the Hebrides islands, and the rugged mountains of Scotland west coast. The name McShannon began in this region; it was a nickname for a person noted as possessing great wisdom, or an elderly person. The surname is derived from the Irish Gaelic name O Seanain, which comes from the word sean, which has the double meaning of old and wise.

Early Origins of the McShannon family

The surname McShannon was first found in Kintyre, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Scotland to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the McShannon family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McShannon research. Another 112 words (8 lines of text) covering the year 1548 is included under the topic Early McShannon History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McShannon Spelling Variations

Medieval spelling was at best an intuitive process, and translation between Gaelic and English was no more effective. These factors caused an enormous number of spelling variations in Dalriadan names. In fact, it was not uncommon to see a father and son who spelled their name differently. Over the years, McShannon has been spelled Shannon, Shennan, Shennane and others.

Early Notables of the McShannon family

More information is included under the topic Early McShannon Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the McShannon family to Ireland

Some of the McShannon family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McShannon migration to the United States +

These settlers arrived in North America at a time when the east was burgeoning with prosperous colonies and the expanses of the west were just being opened up. The American War of Independence was also imminent. Some Scots stayed to fight for a new country, while others who remained loyal went north as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of them went on to rediscover their heritage in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic Scottish events. The McShannon were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records:

McShannon Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Duncan McShannon, aged 21, who settled in America from Campbeltown, in 1905
Charles Mcshannon, aged 18, who immigrated to the United States from Scotland Gourock, in 1925

McShannon migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

McShannon Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

James McShannon, aged 25, a tailor, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the schooner "Sarah" from Belfast, Ireland

Contemporary Notables of the name McShannon (post 1700) +

Juliet McShannon, American actress

The McShannon Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Virtute Duce
Motto Translation: With virtue for guide.