Surname Shankland - Meaning and Origin

Shankland: What does the surname Shankland mean?

The last name Shankland is of Scottish origin, derived from anglicized form of the Gaelic moniker 'sean-ceall', which translates to 'old church'. This particular surname likely spread to Scotland during the 17th century Reformation, when those families with Viking names were encouraged to Anglicize them.

This last name can be found in all parts of Scotland and Ireland, with the greatest development in Scotland. In Scotland, its origin is associated with the Clan of Shankland, which was once part of a larger clan known as Clan Calhoun.

The Clan Shankland was located in the south-west of Scotland, and associated with the town of Ayrshire. They were a small, but very significant, clan, often providing support for their neighbouring Highland clans during battles or difficult times.

The most famous trace of the Shankland surname can be found in Scottish literature, in the writings of Robert Burns. He mentions the Shankland family in his poem "The Vision".

This last name is still common, and many namesakes have gone on to distinguish themselves in business, academics, and other areas. Today, the recognition of the Shankland name lives on in many forms, from the small clan in the South-West to the illustrious Robert Burns.

Shankland: Where does the name Shankland come from?

The last name Shankland is primarily found in the United Kingdom and Ireland, as well as other parts of the British Isles. In Scotland, Shankland is the 60th most common surname. In England, it is the 486th most common surname. In Ireland, it is the 144th most common surname, and in Wales it is the 299th most common surname. It is also found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in scattered pockets around these countries.

The surname originates from Scotland, where it appears in various forms, including Schankland, Shankland, Shanksland, and Shenkland. The earliest record of the name is in 1353, when Robert de Schanncklann was recorded in the Exchequer Rolls of Scotland. The name may derive from a topographical feature such as a shallow stream, low-lying meadow, or small settlement.

Shankland can also appear as a given name in some areas of the world, particularly those with Scottish ancestry. In Scotland, Shankland is pronounced "Shonk-lann," while in other parts of the British Isles and the English-speaking world, it is pronounced "Shank-lann".

Variations of the surname Shankland

The surname Shankland is primarily found in the British Isles and is of Old English origin. In most cases, it is derived from a nickname meaning 'dweller by the stony land'. Variants of the surname include Shanklin, Shankling, Shanchland, Shanklande, Shanklan, Shanklando, Shanklind, Shancland, Shanklandy, Shanklent and Shanklend.

Spellings of this surname vary widely. Some of the more common spellings of Shankland include Shanchland, Shanklande, Shanklan, Shanklando, Shanklind, Shancland, Shanklandy, Shanchlande, Shanklent and Shanklend.

There are numerous additional surnames with origins related to the Shankland surname. Some of these include Shanklin, Shilkunt, Shenglen, Skanklin, Shankel, Shangle, Shanckl, Sillkunt, Shalcoun and Shankeloun.

The surname Shancly is an alternate spelling of Shancley, which is derived from the Old English word for granite, and is likely related to the Shankland surname.

Likewise, the surnames Shankel, Shanks, Shanchley, Schank, Schankle and Shankley may also be connected to the Shankland family.

The Shankland family are known to be active widespread in Scotland, Wales and Ireland, with strong roots in Cheshire. It is likely that some of the variant names are related to immigrant families in the United States. In America, the Shancland, Shanklin, Shangle, Shancl, Shankley and Shanklend families can be found in the Massachusetts, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida areas.

Famous people with the name Shankland

• Sam Shankland: American chess grandmaster and three-time US champion
• Lukas Shankland: American football coach and grandfather to Sam
• William Shankland: Former CEO and chairman of USG Corporation
• John Shankland: Former Canadian football player and CFL coach
• Jack Shankland: American singer-songwriter and producer
• Scott Shankland: British member of Parliament
• Kenneth Shankland: Former Director of Public and Government Relations in Missouri
• Helen Shankland: Scottish painter
• Richard Shankland: British Labour politician
• Margaret Shankland: Former mayor of Oxford, Ohio

Other surnames

Shanklan