Shian History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• Ireland

Early Origins of the Shian family

Early History of the Shian family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Shian research. Another 65 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Shian History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Shian Spelling Variations

Throughout the early history of this name, spellings of the surname in various records changed frequently largely due to the recorder's interpretation of how the name sounded at the time of the entry. Spelling variations revealed in the search for the origin of the Shian family name include Sheehan, Sheeham, Sheahan, O'Sheehan, Sheagan and many more.

Early Notables of the Shian family

More information is included under the topic Early Shian Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Shian family

Many Irish families did not fare so well within the English-ruled Ireland. Besides racial and religious discrimination, many families were renting out small tracts of farmland from absentee landowners at often unreasonable rates. Beginning in the late 18th century, moderately well off Irish families decided to emigrate to British North America or the United States in order to own their own plot of land. A radical change occurred in the 1840s, however, with the Great Potato Famine of the 1840s. Up to this point, the island's population had been increasing rapidly and a steady demand over the years for grain crops had depleted soil. Two failed crops and one poor one caused widespread disease and starvation. Thousands boarded ships looking for opportunities elsewhere. North America welcomed them as a source of cheap labor required for the many industrial and infrastructure projects underway, and as a means to quickly occupy the western regions. Research into immigration and passenger ship lists indicates that people bearing the name Shian were among the earliest settlers to arrive in North America: Cornelius Sheagan who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1842; John, Morris and Thomas Sheehan arrived in Philadelphia between 1850 and 1870; Denis Sheeham arrived in Maryland in 1774.