Lanan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Netherlands
Ireland

Etymology of Lanan

What does the name Lanan mean?

There are many Irish surnames being used today in forms that are quite different than their original, ancient forms. Lanan originally appeared in Gaelic as Ó Leannain, which is possibly derived from the word leann, which denotes a cloak. Another possible derivation is from the word leanan, which means paramour.

Early Origins of the Lanan family

The surname Lanan was first found in County Galway (Irish: Gaillimh) part of the province of Connacht, located on the west coast of the Island, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Lanan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lanan research. Another 49 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Lanan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lanan Spelling Variations

Just like the English language, the Gaelic language of Ireland was not standardized in the Middle Ages. Therefore, one's name was often recorded under several different spellings during the life of its bearer. Spelling variations revealed in the search for the origins of the Lanan family name include Lennon, Lannin, Lannon, Linnane, O'Lennon, Lennane, Leonard, MacAlinion, O'Lennan and many more.

Early Notables of the Lanan family

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

Lanan migration to the United States +

Ireland became inhospitable for many native Irish families in the 19th centuries. Poverty, lack of opportunities, high rents, and discrimination forced thousands to leave the island for North America. The largest exodus of Irish settlers occurred with the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. For these immigrants the journey to British North America and the United States was long and dangerous and many did not live to see the shores of those new lands. Those who did make it were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest and most powerful nations of the world. These Irish immigrants were not only important for peopling the new settlements and cities, they also provided the manpower needed for the many industrial and agricultural projects so essential to these growing nations. Immigration and passenger lists have documented the arrival of various people bearing the name Lanan to North America:

Lanan Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

James Lanan, who settled in Ohio in 1839
John Lanan, who settled in Indiana sometime between 1851 and 1856
M. Lanan, who settled in San Francisco in 1852
Michael Lanan, who settled in Scott Co. IA in 1858
Frank Lanan, who settled in Michigan in 1874

Lanan Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Bridget Lanan, who settled in Vermont in 1920

The Lanan 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: Prisco stirpe hibernico
Motto Translation: Of an ancient Irish stock