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Family Name History: The Irish surname Grannan is an anglicized version of the Gaelic name Mac Ragnaill. It is of patronymic origin, being one of those surnames based on the first name of the father. In this case, it simply means "son of Reginald", Reginald or Ragnall being popular personal names within Ireland. As a result of these origins, this name is also rendered as Mac Rannall, Reynolds and Grannell.

The sept of this name came from county Leitrim. they remained influential up to the end of the seventeenth century, in spite of continual rivalry and feuds with their neighbors.  Evan today, county Leitrim is the principal stronghold of this name, nearly half of the people so called hailing from this area.

There have been many notable bearers of the name Reynolds - the most usual form of Grannan.  These include amongst their number, Osborne Reynolds (1842-1912) who was famous for his investigations on mechanical subjects, and James Reynolds (1842-1920) discoverer of various chemical substances.

Mac Grannan, Mag Raghnainn, a Mayo name cognate with MacRannall or Reynolds

Blazon of Arms: Vert a lion rampant between three escallops or.

Translation: The lion, in heraldry, is representative of Majesty and Kingship.  The escallop, or shell, was used as a badge by pilgrims journeying to the Holy Land.  It therefore symbolises Venture to Foreign Lands.

Crest: On a mount a stag couchant proper.

Translation: The stag represents Purity, Fleetness and Solitary Life.

Motto: By God's Favor

Origin: Ireland
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