McCann History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  Ireland 


Throughout history, very few Irish surnames have exclusively maintained their original forms. Before being translated into English, McCann appeared as Mac Cana, which is derived from the word cana, which means wolf cub.

Early Origins of the McCann family

The surname McCann was first found in County Armagh (Irish: Ard Mhacha) located in the province of Ulster in present day Northern Ireland, at Clanbrasil, a region on the southern shore of Lough Neagh.

The family supplanted the O'Graveys at the time of Strongbow's Anglo-Norman invasion in 1172 as lords of this area and became known as the Lords of Clanbrassil. One of the earliest records of the name was Amhlaibh Mc Canna (died 1155), described by the Four Masters as "pillar of chivalry and vigour of Cinel Eoghin" 1

Early History of the McCann family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McCann research. Another 38 words (3 lines of text) covering the years 1155, 1598 and 1718 are included under the topic Early McCann History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McCann Spelling Variations

Before widespread literacy came to Ireland, a name was often recorded under several different variations during the life of its bearer. Accordingly, numerous spelling variations were revealed in the search for the origin of the name McCann family name. Variations found include MacCann, MacCanna, MacCan, MacAnn, MacAn and others.

Early Notables of the McCann family

Prominent amongst the family at this time was

McCann World Ranking

In the United States, the name McCann is the 1,084th most popular surname with an estimated 27,357 people with that name. 2 However, in Canada, the name McCann is ranked the 979th most popular surname with an estimated 5,513 people with that name. 3 And in Australia, the name McCann is the 616th popular surname with an estimated 6,333 people with that name. 4 The United Kingdom ranks McCann as 448th with 14,523 people. 5


McCann migration to the United States +

Thousands of Irish families left for North American shores in the 19th century. These people were searching for a life unencumbered with poverty, hunger, and racial discrimination. Many arrived to eventually find such conditions, but many others simply did not arrive: victims of the diseased, overcrowded ships in which they traveled to the New World. Those who lived to see North American shores were instrumental in the development of the growing nations of Canada and the United States. A thorough examination of passenger and immigration lists has disclosed evidence of many early immigrants of the name McCann:

McCann Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
McCann Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
McCann Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

McCann migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

McCann Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
McCann Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

McCann migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

McCann Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century
McCann Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

McCann migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

McCann Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name McCann (post 1700) +


The McCann 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: Crescit sub pondere virtus
Motto Translation: Virtue thrives under oppression.


Suggested Readings for the name McCann +
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