Surname Hannan - Meaning and Origin

An Emotional Voyage into the Past: My Experience with iGENEA and the Hannan Surname

Taking the iGENEA DNA test for my family lineage unveiled an ancient Celtic connection to my surname Hannan. The revelation, filled with surprise, excitement and pride, has enriched the way I view my family history forever.

X. Hannan

Hannan: What does the surname Hannan mean?

Hannan is a surname of multiple origins. In Irish, the name is an anglicisation of "O'Hannain" which means "descendant of Annan" – a personal name of unknown meaning. In some cases, it could be derived from the Hebrew name “Hanan” meaning "he is gracious". The name is also found in Arabic-speaking countries, derived from the term “Hannan” which translates to "compassionate" or "merciful". In such contexts, it has traditionally been used as a male name. Furthermore, this surname is also found in regions of England and Scotland, where it was likely a locational surname referring to someone from the town of Annan in Dumfriesshire. Yet, it is necessary to note, that these meanings might not align with every individual’s family history, since surnames can undergo changes over time and migration which might lead to different interpretations. Therefore, the meaning can vary significantly based on geographical, historical, and familial factors.

Hannan: Where does the name Hannan come from?

The surname Hannan originates from Ireland. It's an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Ó hAnáin, which means "descendant of Anán". The personal name Anán is derived from a diminutive of the word "an", meaning ‘excellent’. Hannans were a part of the Corca Laoidhe group of tribes based in the South-West of County Cork in Ireland.

Today, the naming convention like many other Irish surnames is more dispersed due to the extensive Irish diaspora, but still holds a notable presence in Ireland. However, it can also frequently be found in other English-speaking countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia because of migration over the centuries. This Irish surname, along with its variants like Hannon, Hanan, and Hannen, can be encountered in various regions globally due to the strong historical Irish emigration patterns.

Variations of the surname Hannan

The surname 'Hannan' has various variants and spellings which may differ based on geographical location, migration patterns, and language influences. Some of the known variants include Hannon, Hanan, Heenan, O'Haninan, and Hainon.

The name can be spelled in different ways, with 'Hannan' being the most common spelling but it can also be found as 'Hanen', 'Hanin', 'Hannen', 'Hannin', and 'Hennon'.

In some cultures, surnames can be derived from a father's name, a locality, or an occupation, among other things. Accordingly, Hannan can be traced back to a similar surname 'Anon,' which is of Irish origin. Additionally, Hannon can be traced back to O'hAnain, which is of Gaelic origin.

In certain parts of the world, it is also common practice to add prefixes or suffixes to surnames. For example, in Ireland, the prefix 'O' is often added to Gaelic surnames, producing another variation such as 'O'Hannan'.

In terms of geographical spread, the surname Hannan is commonly found in Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada. However, each different culture might have its unique spin on how the name is written or pronounced. These variants of Hannan have a unique history and offer a significant connection to the bearer's ancestry.

Famous people with the name Hannan

• Cathy Hannan: business leader, author, and former COO of multinational software company SAP
• Meaghan Hannan: award-winning cultural reporter, social media influencer, and former journalist for the National Post
• Helen Hannan: English actress and model best known for her work as Glenda Carson in the British soap opera Crossroads
• Michael Hannan: professional basketball coach and former head coach of the Idaho Stampede of the NBA Developmental League
• Conor Hannan: Northern Irish footballer currently playing for the Premier League club, Manchester United
• Patrick Hannan: American actor, director, and producer best known for his work on the popular television show, Family Guy
• John Hannan: American actor and distinguished alum of the University of Texas at Austin's Michener Center for Writers
• Matt Hannan: Australian professional golfer who has won numerous professional events including the 2011 Southern Open
• Niamh Hannan: Irish media personality and presenter at Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ)
• Lauren Hannan: Scottish artist with an international career whose work explores the relationship between material and space.

Other surnames

HannaHannackHannafordHannahHannahanHannakHannatschekHannavanHannawayHannay