Stay informed about SCANLON Family online & offline events!

See one of our recent Ireland101 Tribe Gatherings

MEET
LEARN
SHOP

SCANLON Family History

Originally recorded in many spellings including Mac Scanlon, O' Scanlon, O' Scannill, O' Scanlan, but now more usually as Scanlon, and more rarely Scannell, Scanlan, Scanlin, and possibly others, this is an ancient Irish surname. It derives from the Gaelic pre 10th century personal 'Scanlain' which translates literally as 'The contentious one'. There were originally three quite distinct septs or clans, the first having the prefix 'Mac' and they held territory in County Louth and gave their name to Ballymascanlon near Dundalk.

Who have we missed?

Tell us about any famous SCANLON (or surname variant) you think we should add here. We will get our genealogists to check them out and add them to the list. Thanks!

MEET

Join the conversation with the SCANLON tribe

Find your SCANLON ancestor
Tell us about your SCANLON Family
Tell us about your SCANLON ancestors
Ask a question about the SCANLON history
Leave a message for SCANLON family members

Maryanne Scanlon Donlin

I believe I am a descendant of Mac Scanlon from the territory in County Louth. My Dad recently deceased had info tracing his family back 1849 born in Ireland coming to US in late 1860's to 1870. He also had a pamphlet about Cill C Lara which was beleved to be the tomb of Mac Scanlon chieftain of the 10th century. Any info would be great.