Shenen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Shenen

What does the name Shenen mean?

The Hebrides islands and Western coastal mountains of Scotland were once part of the ancient kingdom of Dalriada. The name Shenen was born there, as 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 Shenen family

The surname Shenen 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 Shenen family

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

Shenen Spelling Variations

Translation in medieval times was an undeveloped science and was often carried out without due care. For this reason, many early Scottish names appeared radically altered when written in English. The spelling variations of Shenen include Shannon, Shennan, Shennane and others.

Early Notables of the Shenen family

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

Migration of the Shenen family to Ireland

Some of the Shenen 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 Shenen family

Many of the ancestors of Dalriadan families who arrived in North America still live in communities along the east coast of Canada and the United States. In the American War of Independence many of the original settlers traveled north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries the ancestors of many Scots began recovering their collective national heritage through Clan societies, highland games, and other patriotic events. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Shenen or a variant listed above: 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 Shenen 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.