McGann

McGann is an Irish surname, derived from the Gaelic Mac Cana clan, meaning "son of Cana". The Cana particle is a personal name meaning 'wolf cub'.

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. They were a branch of the Cenel Eoghain, 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 (died 1155) 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 Mac Cana clan 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.

Their territory lay to the south of Lough Neagh in modern-day County Armagh and County Tyrone, flanked by the River Bann and River Blackwater.

The Mac Cana line features in John O' Hart's 19th century pseudo-historical book, Irish pedigrees. In this book, the Mac Cana line along with other surname lines are taken right back to Adam and Eve.

Due to anglicization and Ulster migration the original form Mac Cana has had many different variations, such as McGann, McCann, MacCann, MacCan, Maccan (this part of the Maccans had connections with many European noble and royal families, such as the Maccan Romanoff or the Maccan of Villanova or Maccan de Gueldre), MacCana and Canny. The name became McGann upon Ulster migration to Connaught and became Canny and Canney upon Ulster migration to the south (Leinster and Munster).