Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.
SHANK
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.
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English