Surname Sheenan - Meaning and Origin
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Sheenan: What does the surname Sheenan mean?
The last name Sheenan is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Siodhacháin," which translates to "descendant of the peaceful one." Therefore, the meaning of Sheenan is "peaceful." This surname was predominantly found in County Clare, Limerick, and Tipperary in Ireland. Over the years, due to migration and diaspora, this last name can be found in other parts of the world, notably in the United States, UK, Canada, and Australia. Individuals with the Sheenan surname have made their mark in different facets of society, ranging from the arts and entertainment to politics.
Order DNA origin analysisSheenan: Where does the name Sheenan come from?
The last name Sheenan is predominantly found in Ireland. It is thought to have originated in County Cork in the south of Ireland, where a majority of the Sheenans still live today.
The surname is also quite widespread in Galway, especially in and around the city of Tuam. Other significant concentrations of Sheenan families live in both Dublin and Roscommon counties.
In addition to Ireland, Sheenans can be found in small pockets in Britain and in the United States. In the US, the surname is scattered across the country, with the highest concentrations in California, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.
The Sheenan name is thought to have derived from the Gaelic phrase meaning “clear-headed” or “intelligent”, although there are several variants of the spelling, including Sheehan, Sheehan and Sheehan.
Sheenans can also be found in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and in countries around the world as a result of the dispersal of the Irish diaspora.
Overall, the Irish Sheenans continue to make up a large portion of the Sheenan population, both in and outside of the Emerald Isle, proving that this name is still very much alive and well.
Variations of the surname Sheenan
The variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Sheenan, also seen as O’Sheenan, O’Shanahan, Sheehan, and Shannahan, are truly fascinating.
The origins of the surname could be derived from the Irish Gaelic name O’Seainain, which is probably derived from a personal name Seain, which is also translated as John. This would mean that one of the ancestries of the surname Sheenan is of an Irish origin.
The variations of the name have expanded over the years into the spellings Sheehan, Shannahan, and O’Shanahan. As for the variants, some of the spellings have maintained their original language's syntax. Despite the slight variances, all the spellings of the surname carry the same root meaning – which is ‘son of John’.
Another possible source for the surname is from Celtic origin, with the word ‘sheane’ which means ‘wise’. This could suggest that the individual who was referred to as ‘son of John’ was also inspired by many traits of wisdom.
As for the history of the surname Sheenan, research shows that records of the name can be traced back to mid 1800s. The earliest record has been found of a Patrick O’Sheehan, who settled in New York, United States in 1883. Since then, Sheenans have been documented all around the world led by strong familial connections and close blood relations to the forefather Patrick O’Sheehan.
So, as a result, Sheenans and the derivatives of this surname have become globally diversified and recognisable for their famous diaspora and underlying United Nations of many diverse cultures, understood through their distinct surnames.
Famous people with the name Sheenan
- Rory Sheenan: English former professional footballer who played at both only and international level during the 60s and 70s.
- Maureen Sheenan: British television actress and model, best known for her roles in EastEnders and The Bill.
- Ryan Sheenan: Scottish actor best known for his role as Ian Duncan in the 2002 drama movie Heartlands.
- Paula Sheenan: Irish actress and model, best known for her appearance in the film The Clinic.
- Keith Sheenan: Australian television personality and game show host who hosted Good Morning Australia with Bert Newton in the early 80s.
- Terry Sheenan: American former basketball coach who was head coach of the University of Southern California men's basketball team from 1985-1990.
- Kent Sheenan: American soccer player who won the USCSA 1990 Division I Men's Soccer Championship with the University of California, Irvine.
- Michael Sheenan: Irish comedian known for his appearances on Irish and UK television shows such as Dermot & Dave and Have I Got News For You.
- James Sheenan: English author and publisher best known for his work The Art and Design of Graphic Novels.
- Brian Sheenan: Irish professional boxer who competed as a middleweight and light middleweight during the early-mid 2000s.