Surname Canney - Meaning and Origin

Canney: What does the surname Canney mean?

The last name Canney is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic term “O’Ceann” or “Kenny.” This name was originally a nickname given to people who had fair complexions or were blonde in appearance. The literal translation of the name is “from the head” and it may have referred to a person with a bald head.

The surname is associated with several families, all of which have extensive histories in Ireland. In particular, the O’Ceann dynasty ruled the Irish regions of Uí Maine and Maigh Seóla during the 14th century. Over the centuries, the family prospered in both provinces and became well-known for their loyalty and patriotism.

The Canney family has also been known to have several branches, from which a variety of other surnames have derived. Some of the more common branches include Canny, O’Canney, O’Kenny, Connolly, and MacKenny.

Today, people with the surname of Canney can be found in countries all around the world, particularly the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland. Those who bear the name are proud to have a rich heritage with deep roots in Ireland’s history and culture. It is also a reminder of their ancestors’ hard work and loyalty.

Canney: Where does the name Canney come from?

The last name Canney is most commonly found in the country of Ireland. It is believed to have originated in County Mayo, in the western part of the island.

The name has also spread across the globe, being fairly common throughout the United Kingdom and New Zealand. There are also small communities of Canneys scattered throughout North America, Australia, South America, and South Africa. In the United States, it is most commonly found in the state of Massachusetts.

The name is derived from old Irish Gaelic words, and it is believed to have originated with the ancient Cenél nEógain clan. It means "descendant of Cana," which is sometimes translated as "dog-headed." This is an old Gaelic pun that hints at a story about a man who could shapeshift into animals, or perhaps it's a nod to the loyalty and faithfulness of a loyal dog.

Canney is known to be a shortened version of other surnames such as Cannane, Canann, or even Cann. It has also been recorded as being spelled in various ways like Conney, Canny, Keney, and many others.

Given its popularity in Ireland and other parts of the world, it's likely that knowing this last name may lead to connecting with distant relatives - especially if they have a strong presence in any of the aforementioned countries.

Variations of the surname Canney

The surname Canney is of English origin and is a variant spelling of Connay, Conney, and Canny. It is derived from the Gaelic-Irish surname O'Coinneachain, an anglicized form of O’Coinneacháin (coinneach, meaning ‘handsome.’

Variants of the surname Canney may include Canning, Conning, Conny, Coningsby, Conneely, and Conningham.

Spellings used in earlier eras of the surname may include Kenny, Kenny, Conney, Conny, Canny, Canney, and Coin.

This surname can also be found as part of a longer surname such as Laconney, McConnney, and McDermont/McDermott.

Some notable persons who bear the surname Canney include British actor, composer, and singer Wallace Canney; American politician Peleg Canney; and American politician Daniel Canney.

The Irish version of this surname is Ó Coinneacháin or Ó Connachtáin. Other surnames of Irish origin that are related to this name are O’Connor, as well as variants such as Conner and Connor.

This surname is also found in Scotland and the US. Scottish variants include the common surname Mackenny and variants such as McNenny and McInany. Other Scottish spellings include Macinne, MacFeeny, and McConnauny. The American variants are largely based on the Scottish and English spelling of the name, often with the addition of an ‘e’, such as Cainey, Cane, Canesy and Cannie.

Famous people with the name Canney

• Stephen Canney; Canadian Francophone actor.
• Gavin Canney; Irish musician and singer-songwriter.
• Bernie Canney; Irish sculptor and a former principal of the Crawford College of Art and Design, a school of art in Cork, Ireland.
• Niall Canney; Irish Gaelic football manager and former player in the Connacht Senior Football Championship.
• Ryan Canney; Australian professional rugby league footballer.
• Stephen Michael Canney; an American printmaker and photographer.
• David Canney; American musician and songwriter from Los Angeles, California.
• Bart Canney; American musician and multi-instrumentalist who performs in a variety of musical styles, including jazz, funk and blues.
• Stephen Canney;actor and playwright who has been seen in Off-Broadway and Regional Theatre.
• Mark Canney; American race car driver from New York, currently competing in the NASCAR All-American Series.

Other surnames

Cannell