Surname Cann - Meaning and Origin
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Cann: What does the surname Cann mean?
The last name Cann is of English origin, primarily found in the southwestern part of the country. The name has two potential origins: First, it may be derived from the old Gaelic personal name "Canán," which means wolf cub. It was common in old times to use such symbols of strength or prowess as names. Second, it can be a locational name for someone from one of various places named Cann or similar in England. These places, including Cann in Dorset and Chenne in Normandy, took their names from the Old English "canna" or Old French "cane," which both mean reed or cane. This suggests they were areas known for dense reed beds. Thus, someone bearing the Cann last name might be a descendant of a person named Canán, or they might trace their family history back to inhabitants of places named Cann or similar. Like many surnames, Cann would have been gradually adopted for practical purposes, to distinguish between different individuals with the same personal name. Over time, it turned into a family name passed down through generations.
Order DNA origin analysisCann: Where does the name Cann come from?
The last name Cann is of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name Cana. It is also a topographic name from the Celtic word ‘cann’ meaning brilliant, bright, or white, used especially for a hill or peak. It may have been used to denote someone living near such a topographical feature. The Cann surname first appeared in Devon, where they held a family seat from ancient times.
Today, the surname is predominantly found in England, especially in the regions of South West England, such as Devon and Cornwall. However, with English emigration patterns over centuries, it has also spread to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In these countries, the surname is still relatively rare. The largest overseas concentration of people with the Cann surname is in Australia. As of 2014, there were approximately 2,596 people with the surname Cann in England and Wales, and around 1,218 in Australia. Despite its relative rarity, the name has a long history and has also given rise to a number of variant forms.
Overall, while it is not a common surname worldwide, the Cann surname retains a strong presence in its regions of origin in England.
Variations of the surname Cann
The surname Cann has multiple variants and is influenced by different origins such as English, German, and Irish. Some variations of the surname include Can, Cahn, Kahne, Kanne, and Khan. The name can sometimes be seen with additional letters like Canns or Cannes.
In the English origin, the surname may also appear as Canne or Canns. In the German origin, the surname could be spelled as Kahn or Kann. In the Irish origin, it could be Kane or O'Cahan.
The surname Cann is also connected to locational surnames such as Cannell, Caen, and Caine. The variant surname Caen is derived from the town of Caen in Normandy, France. Similarly, the variant Caine is associated with places like Caen in Normandy, and Kane from O'Kane in Northern Ireland.
Moreover, the surname Cann could be a reduction of the surname Mccann, a popular Irish surname, which is an anglicized form of Gaelic Mac Cana (son of Cana). The Old Gaelic name Cana means wolf cub.
However, the spelling, variation, and origin of a surname can significantly differ based on geographical locations and family history.
Famous people with the name Cann
- Billy Cann: An early 20th century professional footballer from England.
- Charmian Cann: An Australian actress known for her role in "The Lost Islands."
- Ian Cann: An Australian rugby union player.
- John Cann- An Australian reptile handler and naturalist, known as the "Snake Man."
- Julie Dawn Cann: An English author famous for her romance novels.
- Nicky Cann: A former professional cricketer for Bermuda.
- Richard Cann: An American geneticist known for his work in mitochondrial DNA.
- Rob Cann- An English professional rugby union player.
- David Cann: An English actor known for his performances in "Brass Eye" and "Blue Jam."
- Michael Cann: A South African former football referee.
- Luke Cann: An Australian athlete specializing in the javelin throw.
- Desmond Cann: A former footballer from Australia who played in the National Soccer League.
- Adrian Cann: A retired Canadian soccer player.
- Robbie Cann: A professional footballer from Australia.
- Reanne Evans: British Snooker player, born Reanne Marianne Evans Cann.