Surname Lannan - Meaning and Origin
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Lannan: What does the surname Lannan mean?
The last name Lannan is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic O' Leannain or O'Lannain, which is derived from two distinct elements: lann meaning "land" or "territory"; and an, an Old Irish particle.
The surname Lannan is believed to have originated in Ireland and can be traced to the ancient Clan O'Lannain who held territory in County Donegal. This clan was a part of the Connachta, an ancient people originating from the County Donegal.
The earliest records of the surname Lannan showed the ancestors of this Irish clan to be well known in Irish history. The earliest record of this surname in Irish records can be traced to the O’Lannain family in 1464, when Thady O'Lennan was made Lord of East Breifne. The O’Lannains quickly rose to prominence and were powerful political figures in their territory.
Lannan is also used as a given name in some parts of Ireland, and it means "leader" or "chieftain". The name gained its non-Irish connotations in the late 19th century, when people with the surname immigrated to the United States and Canada. Today, Lannan is a popular surname throughout Ireland, Britain, and North America.
Order DNA origin analysisLannan: Where does the name Lannan come from?
The last name Lannan is most commonly found in Ireland. Historically, Lannan originates from the Irish Gaelic name “O'Lannain”, which is often anglicized in its shortened form as “Lannan”. It is a popular Irish surname, particularly in the south and west of the Emerald Isle.
The largest concentrations of individuals bearing the Lannan surname are believed to be in the counties of Kerry and Cork. Other Irish counties with a substantial number of Lannan’s include Limerick, Clare and Galway.
The name is also common among the Irish diaspora, with people with the surname Lannan living in countries such as Canada, the United States and Australia. The United States census of 2000 listed Lannan as a “Surname of Irish origin”.
Additionally, a smaller but significant number of individuals bearing the Lannan name live in England, Scotland, Wales and other countries in Europe, with many having ancestors that emigrated Irish during the Great Irish Famine (1845-1852).
The Lannan surname has also spread to other parts of the world. People named Lannan are believed to be living in the South American countries of Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina.
The surname Lannan is an intriguing one, as its protagonists have emigrated around the world, to England, Scotland, Australia, Brazil, the United States and more. The name continues to grow in popularity, and rightly so, as it is a name proud of its Irish roots,
upon which the multiplicity of its offshoots continue to build.
Variations of the surname Lannan
Lannan is a surname derived from the Irish Gaelic name O'Lannain. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for Lannan include O'Lannain, O'Lannan, Loannan, Lannin, Lannen, Lannone, and Lanney.
O'Lannain is derived from 'O' meaning 'grandson of,' and 'Lannain' being a personal name. Loannan derives from the Old Irish word 'Lonan,' which became 'Lannan' in modern Irish. This name means 'fierce,' and was originally given to those in positions of power.
Lannin is the Anglicized version of 'O'Lannain,' while Lannen is derived from the Gaelic word 'Lan,' meaning 'little,' combined with the Gaelic word 'Osin,' meaning 'fear.' Together, this name meant 'little fearless one.'
Lannone is a variant of Lannan, specifically derived from the word 'Lonan.' This name incorporates the Gaelic word 'Lonn,' which means 'wrestle,' carrying with it a strong sense of power and strength.
Lanney is another variation of the name Lannan, derived from the Gaelic word 'lan,' meaning 'champion.' It was commonly used to signify one who would protect and care for their family, or fight in a great battle.
Overall, Lannan is a strong and powerful Gaelic surname, with many different variations that carry the same meaning. The surname is still used in Ireland, and in countries around the world, connecting the modern day families with their ancient roots.
Famous people with the name Lannan
- Michael Lannan– writer, producer, and director of the television show Looking.
- Maureen Lannan: actress best known for her roles in the television series All My Children and Guiding Light.
- Jay D. Lannan: former US Navy aviator and NASA astronaut who flew with the Space Shuttle Program.
- Shane Lannan: Australian former professional rugby league footballer who notably played for the Parramatta Eels, South Sydney Rabbitohs, and Canberra Raiders.
- Ryan Lannan: current American professional ice hockey goaltender who plays for the Rochester Americans in the AHL.
- Mark Lannan: former professional football player who played center for the Denver Broncos from 1967–1970.
- Dominic Lannan: British philosopher and author of The Politics of Morality.
- Seamus Lannan: Irish actor who has portrayed characters in films such as Age of Heroes and The Fall of the Essex Boys.
- Alan Lannan: Scottish actor who has appeared in productions such as The House of Mirth, The Take, and White of the Eye.
- C.J. Lannan: American software engineer who co-founded the successful software company Cortera.