Show ContentsSleeving History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Today's Irish surnames are underpinned by a multitude of rich histories. The name Sleeving originally appeared in Gaelic as Ó Sleibhin or O'Sleibhin, derived from "sliabh," which means "mountain," and was a symbolic name for the Chief of this Clann. This is "the name of a branch of the Cenél Eoghain in Ulster. Some families of the name settled in Co. Westmeath." 1

Another notes a slightly different Gaelic spelling of the name: O'Sliabhain, which has the same meaning "mountain." Like many other Irish families, they claim descent from Colla da Crioch, one of the most famous Heremon Kings of Ireland. 2

Early Origins of the Sleeving family

The surname Sleeving was first found in Fermanagh (Irish: Fear Manach) in the southwestern part of Northern Ireland, Province of Ulster, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Sleeving family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sleeving research. Another 134 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1172 and 1640 are included under the topic Early Sleeving History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sleeving Spelling Variations

The Middle Ages saw a great number of spelling variations for surnames common to the Irish landscape. One reason for these variations is the fact that surnames were not rigidly fixed by this period. The following variations for the name Sleeving were encountered in the archives: Slavin, Slaving, Slevin, Sleving, Slevan, Sleavin and many more.

Early Notables of the Sleeving family

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

Migration of the Sleeving family

Death and immigration greatly reduced Ireland's population in the 19th century. For the native Irish people poverty, hunger, and racial prejudice was common. Therefore, thousands left their homeland to seek opportunity in North America. Those who survived the journey and the quarantine camps to which they arrived, were instrumental towards building the strong developing nations of the United States and the future Canada. By far, the largest influx of Irish settlers occurred with Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s. These were employed as construction or factory workers. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has shown early immigrants bearing the name Sleeving: Bernard, Edward, Hugh, James, John, Patrick, Peter, and William Slaven who arrived in Philadelphia between 1842 and 1862; Charles, Cornelius, Danial, Edward, Francis, Hugh, John, Michael, Patrick, Thomas and William Slavin all arrived in Philadelphia between 1808 and 1864.



  1. MacLysaght, Edward, More Irish Families. Dublin: Irish Academic Press, 1982. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-0126-0)
  2. O'Hart, John, Irish Pedigrees 5th Edition in 2 Volumes. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1976. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0737-4)


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