Shenane History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Shenane

What does the name Shenane mean?

In ancient Scotland, the ancestors of the name Shenane lived in the Kingdom of Dalriada. In those days the name Shenane was used to indicate a person who 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 Shenane family

The surname Shenane 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 Shenane family

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

Shenane Spelling Variations

The translation of Gaelic names in the Middle Ages was not a task undertaken with great care. Records from that era show an enormous number of spelling variations, even in names referring to the same person. Over the years Shenane has appeared as Shannon, Shennan, Shennane and others.

Early Notables of the Shenane family

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

Migration of the Shenane family to Ireland

Some of the Shenane 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.

Migration of the Shenane family

The descendants of the Dalriadan families who made the great crossing of the Atlantic still dot communities along the east coast of the United States and Canada. In the American War of Independence, many of the settlers traveled north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Clan societies and highland games have allowed Canadian and American families of Scottish descent to recover much of their lost heritage. Investigation of the origins of family names on the North American continent has revealed that early immigrants bearing the name Shenane or a variant listed above include: James Shannon arrived in Boston in 1764; A. C. D. and M. Shannon arrived in Baltimore in 1820; Anne, Catherine, Honoria, James, Jonathon, Luke, Terry Shannon, all arrived in Boston in 1850..

The Shenane 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.