Recorded as McCrann, McCrone, Mc Crann and McRinn or McRin, this is an Irish surname. It is mainly to be found mainly in the province of Ulster, and derives from the ancient pre 10th century Gaelic word "braoin" meaning a raven. This bird was known for its ferocious behaviour, suggesting that the first nameholder, as it were the original chief of the clan, was a warrior, who descended in a fierce manner on his foes. Almost all major Irish clan names do have a similar nickname origin, and many are associated with warlike behaviour. Early examples of recordings are very scattered but they include Mary Mc Crone who married David Hood at Antrim, County Antrim, on Octover 5th 1726, Cahun Mc Rin, of Magheraculmoney, County Fermanagh, on January 12th 1838, and Michael McCrann and his wife the former Bridget Ford, at Belfast, County antrim, on February 4th 1865. Slightly earlier Pattrick McCrann was a passenger on the ship "Montezuma" of Liverpool, which left Belfast Lough for New York on September 17th 1846. This was at the very height of the infamous Irish potato famine of 1846 - 1848. His ultimate life is not known.

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