Surname MaCan - Meaning and Origin
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MaCan: What does the surname MaCan mean?
The last name MaCan is thought to be of Irish origin, and is derived from the Gaelic word “MacCahan”, meaning “son of a warrior”. It was most likely adopted by a branch of the Sullivan clan who wanted to set themselves apart from the rest of the clan.
The MacCan surname is still found predominantly in Ireland, but is also found in numerous other countries, such as England, Scotland, Canada, the United States, and Australia. The MacCan surname is also known to be one of the oldest Irish surnames still in existence, with documented references to people with the name dating back to the 1400s.
It is believed that those with the surname MacCan were far-thinking, courageous, and independent-minded individuals. This is reflected in the history of MacCans, who have been known as superb sailors, risk-taking businessmen, and bold soldiers.
The MacCan family motto, “Semper robustus”, or “always strong”, reflects the strength and pride associated with the MacCan name. And, while the MacCan family has been known to be a proud and independent set, they also have a long history of loyalty and strength in numbers, often relying on their vast extended family for support and protection.
MacCans have made numerous contributions to various fields, including literature, music, the arts, and sports. Notable individuals with the MacCan surname include the American radio personality Don McLean, actor Elijah Wood, and physicist Edward McCabe.
Overall, the MacCan surname is a strong and immemorial legacy, respected by generations. It symbolises strength and courage, loyalty and independence, and has been passed down through the centuries among an ever-growing web of family members.
Order DNA origin analysisMaCan: Where does the name MaCan come from?
The surname MaCan is a relatively uncommon one today, with fewer than 6,000 people worldwide using the name. MaCan is believed to have originated in Scotland and Northern Ireland, although some branches of the family have since moved to other parts of the world.
In Scotland, the name is thought to have originated from two separate Gaelic first names; Mac an and Macan, both which mean “son of”. Over time the two first names were shortened to the surname we now know today. The earliest record of the MaCan surname was found in 1602 when James McCon was recorded as living in Auchtermuchty, a small village near Cupar in Fife.
Currently, the biggest population of MaCans live in the United Kingdom, predominantly Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland. In the United States, there is a much more limited number of people with the MaCan surname living primarily in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, California, Florida, Virginia, and Georgia. The number of people with the MaCan surname living outside of the UK and the US is very small, with just a few remaining in South Africa, Canada, and Australia. To help connect those with the MaCan name, a family tree and website have been set up to bridge gaps and history among those with the surname.
Variations of the surname MaCan
The surname MaCan is a northern Irish toponymic surname which is derived from the town Macan in County Tyrone. It is an Anglicization of the Gaelic MacCoin, which can be translated to mean “son of Conn”, a reference to the ancient Irish king Conn of the Hundred Battles. Variants of the surname include MacCain, MacCane, MacCaan and MacKane, to name a few. Additionally, various spellings and stylizations have been adopted over time, including MacCainne, MacKaine and Mackanee.
The MaCan surname can be found in many different forms throughout Ireland, Scotland and even the United States. The diaspora of Irish immigrants throughout the Americas also spread this surname to South America and Canada, where a number of variations have sprung up. In the United States, other forms of the name can be found, such as MacKean, MacKan and Makan.
The strong Ulster-Scots heritage of the MaCan surname is evidenced in the many similar surnames, such as McCane, McCauen and McCune. In Scotland, variations such as MacEwan, MacCanish and Gunn have been recorded, with the latter being an Anglicized form of MacCoin.
No matter the spelling or surname, they all carry the same origin – the Irish town Macan in County Tyrone. Although MaCan may no longer exist as a toponym, an indelible mark has been left in its wake through the multitude of variations of the surname that share its home town as their ancestral origin.
Famous people with the name MaCan
- John MaCan: Canadian professional ice hockey player and coach
- Peter Macan: British poet, playwright, and theatre director
- Louise MaCan: British visual artist
- Daniel Macan: Australian musician, founding member of the indie rock band, Something for Kate
- Bruce MaCan: Canadian industrial designer
- Margaret MaCan: Irish folk singer
- Joe MaCan: Canadian politician
- Seán Macan: Irish composer, conductor, and theatre organist
- Cora MaCan: American professional tennis player
- Rashid MaCan: American entertainment executive
- Ronnie Macan: Australian Olympic cyclist
- Mark MaCan: British cinematographer
- Eileen MaCan: Irish television actress
- Paul MaCan: Canadian Olympic diver
- Tom MaCan: Irish singer-songwriter
- Philip Macan: Canadian astrophysicist and cosmologist
- Josephine Macan: British botanist, conservationist, and author
- Dominic MaCan: British actor
- Belinda MaCan: Australian screenwriter
- Stephen MaCan: British author and playwright.