Sheehan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  Ireland 


The spelling and overall form of Irish names tend to vary widely. The original Gaelic form of the name Sheehan is Ó Siodhachain, which may be derived from "siodhach," which means "peaceful."

Early Origins of the Sheehan family

The surname Sheehan was first found in County Limerick (Irish: Luimneach) located in Southwestern Ireland, in the province of Munster, where they held a family seat from very ancient times.

Early History of the Sheehan family

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

Sheehan Spelling Variations

Irish names were rarely spelled with much consistency during the Middle Ages. As the many spelling variations of the name Sheehan dating from that time attests: Sheehan, Sheeham, Sheahan, O'Sheehan, Sheagan and many more.

Early Notables of the Sheehan family

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

Sheehan World Ranking

In the United States, the name Sheehan is the 1,302nd most popular surname with an estimated 22,383 people with that name. 1 However, in Australia, the name Sheehan is ranked the 666th most popular surname with an estimated 5,881 people with that name. 2 And in New Zealand, the name Sheehan is the 723rd popular surname with an estimated 989 people with that name. 3


Sheehan migration to the United States +

The 19th century brought a massive reduction in Ireland's population. It seemed that during the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s the Irish people had two options: starve or immigrate. Those that chose the later frequently headed for the United States, hopeful for land, work, and equality. Those determined for free land joined the migration west; while others stayed behind to live in urban centers and often work in factories. Still others began a transitory life in work camps, building the bridges, canals, railways, and highways so critical to the rapidly development of the growing industrial nation. Early passenger and immigration lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the name Sheehan:

Sheehan Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Sheehan migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Sheehan Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Sheehan Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Sheehan migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Sheehan Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Sheehan migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Sheehan Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Sheehan (post 1700) +
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