Shanahan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The 19th century saw a great wave of Irish migrating out of their homeland in a great measure due to the oppressive imperial policies of the English government and landowners. Many of these Irish families sailed to North America aboard overcrowded passenger ships. By far, the largest influx of Irish immigrants to North America occurred with Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s. These particular immigrants were instrumental in creation of the United States and Canada as major industrial nations because the many essential elements such as the roadways, canals, bridges, and railways required an enormous quantity of cheap labor, which these poor immigrants provided. Later generations of Irish in these countries also went on to make valuable contributions in such fields as the arts, commerce, politics, and education. Extensive research into immigration and passenger lists has revealed many early immigrants bearing the name Shanahan:

Shanahan Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

• John Shanahan, who landed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1765 2

Shanahan Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

• Thomas Shanahan, aged 26, who landed in Missouri in 1840 2
• Michael Shanahan, who landed in Mississippi in 1846 2
• Jeremiah Shanahan, who landed in New York, NY in 1847 2
• Joseph Shanahan, aged 30, who arrived in Missouri in 1848 2
• Henry, Daniel, John, Martin, Michael, Robert, Patrick, Timothy, and William Shanahan, who all, who arrived in Philadelphia between 1850 and 1870
• ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Shanahan Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

• James Shanahan, who was a laborer in St. John's, Newfoundland, in 1779 3

Shanahan Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

• Denis Shanahan, aged 21, who arrived in Canada in 1823
• Dennis Shanahan, who settled in Quebec, Canada, in 1825
• Thomas and Edmund Shanahan, and his sisters Nora and Catherine Shanahan, who all settled in Medonte Township, Ontario, Canada, in 1832
• John Shanahan, aged 24, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the ship "Ward" from Limerick, Ireland
• Denis Shanahan, aged 21, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the barque "Pallas" from Cork, Ireland
• ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Shanahan Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

• Mr. Anthony Shanahan, Irish convict who was convicted in Tipperary, Ireland for life, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 29th November 1801, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 4
• Mr. John Shanahan, Irish convict who was convicted in Meath, Ireland for life, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 29th November 1801, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 4
• Mr. Phillip Shanahan, Irish convict who was convicted in Carlow, Ireland for life, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 29th November 1801, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 4
• Mary Shanahan, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Henry Porcher" in 1838 5
• Michael Shanahan, aged 36, a farm servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1852 aboard the ship "Phoebe Dunbar" 6
• ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Shanahan Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

• Miss Mary Shanahan, (b. 1852), aged 14, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "John Temperley" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 21st June 1866 7
• Mary Shanahan, aged 23, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Jessie Osborne" in 1867
• John Shanahan, aged 13, a labourer, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Adamant" in 1874 7
• Michael Shanahan, aged 26, a farm labourer, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Howrah" in 1874
• Maria Shanahan, aged 18, who arrived in Lyttelton, New Zealand aboard the ship "Apelles" in 1874
• ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

• Nicole Ann Shanahan (b. 1985), American technologist, attorney, and running mate in Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 2024 presidential campaign, former wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin
• Michael Shanahan (1939-2018), American investor and owner of the NHL St. Louis Blues from 1986 through 1995
• Brigadier General James G. Shanahan (1920-1997), American United States Army officer
• Paul Gregory Shanahan (b. 1947), American former Major League Baseball pitcher
• David E. Shanahan (1862-1936), American politician, Illinois Republican state legislator
• Jeremiah Francis Shanahan (1834-1886), American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, the first Bishop of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (1868 to 1886)
• John Walter Shanahan (1846-1916), American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, Bishop of Harrisburg (1899 to 1916)
• Doug Shanahan (b. 1975), American professional lacrosse player
• Kyle Shanahan (b. 1979), American NFL offensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins, son of Mike Shanahan
• Chief Boatswain's Mate Patrick Shanahan (1867-1937), United States Navy sailor awarded the Medal of Honor for actions during the Philippine-American War
• ... (Another 13 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)