McCranny History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
The ancestors of the name McCranny come from the ancient Scottish tribe known as the Dalriadans. They lived along the rugged west coast of Scotland and on the Hebrides islands and used the name to indicate a person who lived on the island of Jura in the Inner Hebrides. The name is derived from Gaelic Mac Crain. 
Early Origins of the McCranny family
The surname McCranny was first found in the islands of Jura and Islay, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.
Early History of the McCranny family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McCranny research. Another 111 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1625, 1649, 1856 and 1890 are included under the topic Early McCranny History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
McCranny Spelling Variations
Many spelling variations of McCranny have been recorded over the years, including These are the result of the medieval practice of spelling according to sound and repeated translation between Gaelic and English. MacCraney, Craney, Crainey, MacCrain, McCranie, MacCranny, MacCranne, MacCranney, MacCrayne and many more.
Early Notables of the McCranny family
More information is included under the topic Early McCranny Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the McCranny family to Ireland
Some of the McCranny family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 69 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the McCranny family
Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name McCranny were among those contributors: Peter Dow Maccraing, who was banished to America in 1766; Owen McCraney, who came to New York, NY in 1803; Mathew and Patrick Craney who settled in Philadelphia in 1846.
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Amor proximi
Motto Translation: The love of our neighbor.
- Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)