Surname MacCanny - Meaning and Origin
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MacCanny: What does the surname MacCanny mean?
The surname MacCanny is an anglicized version of the Irish name Mac Conmara, which in turn is derived from the Gaelic Ó Conmara, meaning 'descendent of Conmara'. This name is believed to be derived from the personal name Conmara, which is thought to be related to the word con, meaning 'hound' or 'wolf', and mara meaning 'great'.
MacCanny is an ancient Irish surname and believed to be of prestigious origins. It is believed to have originated in what is now County Clare on the west coast of Ireland. Historically MacCanny is associated with the hereditary Brehon family of Ó Conmara who are thought to have been from the Corcu Duibne, a people who lived in the area since pre-historic times. According to Irish history, the Ó Conmara family were titled 'under-Chiefs to the O'Briens of Thomond'.
Today the surname MacCanny is widespread throughout the world, having been exported to many countries by Irish emigrants. Although the exact meaning of the surname may have been lost in translation over time, its esteemed heritage is likely still felt by many who carry the name today.
Order DNA origin analysisMacCanny: Where does the name MacCanny come from?
The last name MacCanny is commonly found in Scotland and Ireland. Records of the name exist in Scotland since at least the twelfth century and the surname is frequently mentioned in historical documents and official records. It is thought to originate from the Gaelic Mac Cathmhaoil meaning “son of a warrior”. Today, the name is fairly common throughout Scotland, with the highest concentrations in North Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, and Angus. It can also be found in the Irish counties of Tipperary, Clare, Cork, and Galway, as well as in parts of the United States, particularly along the East Coast, in California, and in the state of Washington.
The name is also common in Canada, particularly in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. Australia is home to some MacCanny families as well, particularly in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. Records also show scattered clusters in Northern Ireland, and small pockets can be found in Germany, France, Wales, and various other countries. Overall, the presence of the name is strongest in Scotland and Ireland, particularly in areas with significant numbers of Scottish and Irish immigrants or descendants.
Variations of the surname MacCanny
The surname MacCanny is a patronymic name derived from the Gaelic Mac Conaidh. It is a common Irish surname, usually anglicised as McCanny, MacCanny orMcCanny. Variations and spellings of MacCanny include MacFinnan, MacConnie, MacConny, MacCune, MacFanna, MacFionnghain, MacFionnghuile, MacFinn, MacKannie, MacKenny, MacKennie, MacCoinne, MacKonchy, MakConsey, and McKonchy.
The spelling of MacCanny is also affected by the dialects with which it has been pronounced. For example, in Connacht Irish it's sometimes written as MacKanny or MacKinney, while in Ulster it can be rendered as MacCouney or MacCooe.
It is also a popular surname in Scotland, primarily in and around Gaelic speaking areas of the western Highlands. There, is is often spelled MacFinnan or MacFinnein.
The patronymic nature of the MacCanny surname makes it possible to find variants and spellings of it in other languages. In particular, the Germanic form MacKinnen and the French form MacCuny can be found in records and documents.
MacCanny is found in records all over Ireland and Scotland, and its variants and spellings similarly can be seen in records around the world. It might also appear in records as McCanny, McCanny or MacCanner.
Famous people with the name MacCanny
- Thomas MacCanny, stunt performer
- Jonathan MacCanny, actor
- Barry MacCanny, actor
- Tom MacCanny, wrestler
- Jim MacCanny, football player
- Billy MacCanny, basketball player
- Robert MacCanny, musician
- Liam MacCanny, author
- Richard MacCanny, photographer
- Leighton MacCanny, artist
- Mary MacCanny, actress
- Jennifer MacCanny, actress
- Sean MacCanny, political activist
- Ian MacCanny, director
- Dominic MacCanny, composer
- Peter MacCanny, athlete
- Judy MacCanny, naturalist
- George MacCanny, lawyer
- Andrew MacCanny, architect
- Stephen MacCanny, photographer