Show ContentsO'Chean History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

O'Chean Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Etymology of O'Chean

What does the name O'Chean mean?

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

While most of the family claim Ireland as their ancient homeland, England may be an origin of the family too, as Sheen can be found in Surrey and Staffordshire. 1

Early Origins of the O'Chean family

The surname O'Chean 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. 2

In England, the earliest record of the family was Robert Schene who was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls for Somerset in 1226. John de Schene was listed in Cornwall in 1297. 1

Early History of the O'Chean family

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

O'Chean Spelling Variations

In the Middle Ages, a name was often recorded under several different spelling variations during the life of its bearer. Literacy was rare at that time and none of the languages to be found in the British Isles had achieved any great semblance of standardization. Variations of the name O'Chean found include Sheehan, Sheeham, Sheahan, O'Sheehan, Sheagan and many more.

Early Notables of the O'Chean family

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

Migration of the O'Chean family

Ireland experienced a dramatic decrease in its population during the late 19th century. This was in a great measure, a response to England's imperialistic policies. Hunger and disease took the lives of many Irish people and many more chose to leave their homeland to escape such hunger and disease. North America with its promise of work, freedom, and land was an extremely popular destination for Irish families. For those families that survived the journey, all three of these things were were often attained through much hard work and perseverance. Research into early immigration and passenger lists revealed many immigrants bearing the name O'Chean: 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.

  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. MacLysaght, Edward, Irish Families Their Names, Arms and Origins 4th Edition. Dublin: Irish Academic, 1982. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2364-7)

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