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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.

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John Scanlon

My Father was born in Detroit in 1931. Not sure about my Grandfather's background. I believe the family originated from the County Cork area, but I have no proof of that.

Scanlon

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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.