2007-03-06 17:02:20 · 6 answers · asked by mandyandchris05 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Genealogy
Shanahan
Nationality: Irish
Original name: Ó Seanacháin or Ó Seancháin
Origin type: Polygenetic
Surname class: Derived from a description (appearance)
Origin and Meaning
The name directly translates to 'descendent of Seanachán', this in turn is a diminutive of 'Seanach' the Irish word for old, wise. It is the name of a Dalcassian family who were chiefs of Ui Ronghaile in the east of Thomond, until the year 1318, when they were expelled by Torlough O'Brien and the MacNamaras. They settled at first in County Waterford but have long been scattered throughout Munster.
2007-03-06 17:38:14 · answer #1 · answered by joby27 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The origin of the surname Shanahan is Irish. Take a look at the following link.
http://www.houseofnames.com/coatofarms_details.asp?s=Shanahan&sId=
Looking for the origin of a certain name is a common question here. And it's fine if that is all someone wants. But it does not tell you anything for certain. Here are a couple of links to surname message boards if you are interested. They do have a specific board for Shanahan. Many who frequent these boards are genealogists and may have some more insight into your specific surname. There are also separate boards for states, counties, and countries if you are interested.
http://genforum.genealogy.com/shanahan/
http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.shanahan/mb.ashx
If you wish to persue your specific surname further, E-mail me via my profile and I will give you some more helpful genealogy sites. Blessings.
2007-03-07 05:39:37 · answer #2 · answered by HSK's mama 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have an Irish - descended friend in high school with that last name.
2007-03-07 03:38:07 · answer #3 · answered by adonisMD 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IT'S IRISH YOU ARE!!AND IT'S A FINE THING AS IT'S ONLY MERE DAYS OFF TO CELEBRATE THAT GREAT ITALIAN,PATRICIAN,ROMAN SAINT PATRICK'S DAY WHEN HE EXPELLED THE SNAKES FROM IRELAND THAT NEVER EVEN EXISTED THERE!!CELTIC ROOTS CAN BE A GRAND THING INDEED!!AND A FINER HERTITAGE YOU'LL NEVER FIND FOR ARTISTS, MUSICIANS,WRITERS AND STORY TELLLERS WARRIORS AND CHURCHMEN OF UNFLAGGING VALOR ALL!!
2007-03-07 22:23:04 · answer #4 · answered by eldoradoreefgold 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on what country they were born in or migrated to. or just irish
2007-03-07 01:10:51 · answer #5 · answered by michael_6446 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Irish maybe.
2007-03-07 01:05:26 · answer #6 · answered by dawnsdad 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋