Means History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Irish families left their homeland in astonishing numbers during the 19th century in search of a better life. Although individual reasons vary, most of these Irish families suffered from extreme poverty, lack of work opportunities, and exorbitant rents in their homeland. Many decided to travel to Australia or North America in the hopes of finding greater opportunities and land. The Irish immigrants that came to North America initially settled on the East Coast, often in major centers such as Boston or New York. But like the many other cultures to settle in North America, the Irish traveled to almost any region they felt held greater promise; as a result, many Irish with gold fever moved all the way out to the Pacific coast. Others before that time left for land along the St. Lawrence River and the Niagara Peninsula, or the Maritimes as United Empire Loyalists, for many Irish did choose to side with the English during the American War of Independence. The earliest wave of Irish migration, however, occurred during the Great Potato Famine of the 1840s. An examination of early immigration and passenger lists has revealed many people bearing the Means name:

Means Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

• Robert Means, who landed in New Hampshire in 1766 4
• Sam L Means, who arrived in Mississippi in 1798 4

Means Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

• Joseph Means, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1808 4
• James, Means Jr., who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1809 4
• Edward Means, who arrived in Washington County, Pennsylvania in 1829 4

Means Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

• A. M. Means, who settled in America, in 1907
• Charles Means, aged 7, who settled in America, in 1909
• Albert Means, aged 26, who landed in America, in 1914
• Anne Means, aged 70, who immigrated to the United States, in 1914

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Means Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

• T Means, who landed in Victoria, British Columbia in 1862

• Marianne Means (1934-2017), née Hansen, American syndicated political columnist and White House correspondent
• Brigadier-General Lewis M. Means (1890-1971), American Commanding General 70th Brigade (1938-1942) 5
• Russell Charles Means (1939-2012), Oglala Sioux activist for the rights of Native American people
• Natrone Jermaine Means (b. 1972), former professional American Football running back
• James "Jimmy" Means (b. 1950), American former Winston Cup/Nextel Cup owner/driver
• Gardiner C. Means (1896-1988), American economist
• George E. Means, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from Minnesota, 1908 6
• Cotesworth Pinckney Means, American Democratic Party politician, Member of South Carolina State Senate from Charleston County, 1935-42; Alternate Delegate to Democratic National Convention from South Carolina, 1940 6
• Charles T. Means, American Republican politician, Member of New Hampshire State Senate 18th District, 1889-90; Delegate to Republican National Convention from New Hampshire, 1896 6
• Bertha Means, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Texas, 2008 6
• ... (Another 23 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

• The Means Family of America by Elizabeth Cissel Foglesong.