As described in historical dictionaries

Patronymica Britannica (1860)

SHANK. Shanli, in Scotland, is a topographical word, meaning the projecting point of a hill. Tiie family existed in early times in Slid- Lothian, the founder being Mui'doch Schank, who is said to have discovered, and taken charge of, the body of Alexander III., King of Scotland, who met his death while hunting in 1286. For this service, Robert Bruce presented him Avith the lands of Castlerigg. B.L.G.

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.


Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

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