McCann or MacCan is an
Irish surname. It is derived from the
GaelicMac Cana meaning "son of Cana". The
Irish given name Cana literally means "cub", specifically alluding to a "
wolf cub" (i.e. a young warrior).[1] The Mac Cana were a
Gaelic Irish clan who held the lands of
Clancann and
Clanbrassil, together known as
Oneilland, in what is now northern
County Armagh.[2] The surname is strongly associated with that part of
Ulster.[1]
According to Irish tradition they are a
Milesian people descended from
Colla-da-Chrioch, the first king of
Airgialla. The family of the name Mac Cana, were known as lords of Clanbrassil.[3] They were a branch of the
Cenel nEoghain, the large group of
Northern Uí Néill septs claiming descent from King
Eógan mac Néill, the son of the High King Niall of the Nine Hostages. Amhlaoibh Mac Cana is mentioned in the Annals of the Four Masters. He was praised for his chivalry, his vigour, and his strong drink he made from apples in his orchard. The McCanns are also stated as having had a castle at
Portadown in County Armagh. The last recorded Chief of the name, Donall MaCanna, was still known as lord of Clanbrassil as late as 1598. The title of lord of Clanbrassil is still held by the family of McCann in the area of County Louth.[4]
The McCann line features in John O' Hart's 19th century historical book, Irish pedigrees. In this book, the McCann line along with other surname lines are taken right back to Adam and Eve.[3]
Due to
anglicization the original form Mac Cana has had many different variations, such as
McGann, MacCann, MacCan,
Maccan.[3][5]
Maccan of Italy
Over the years, a branch of the family from France moved to Italy.[6]
Here in the first half of the 17th century, from Nobles of Trento they became Counts of Tres by concession of
Ferdinand Charles, Archduke of Austria and subsequently Marquis.[7][8][dubious –
discuss]
People named McCann
McCann is the
surname of
Irish origin
of several people, including:
^ Archive of Trento (editor). "Archivio di Stato di Trento, Archivio Storico Civico, Archivio Contarini". Fondo 166, Inventari 1357-1664
Surname list
This page lists people with the
surnameMcGann. If an
internal link intending to refer to a specific person led you to this page, you may wish to change that
link by adding the person's
given name(s) to the link.