Sheehan, often O’Sheehan, is a Gaelic name long rooted in the province of Munster.
Where does the Sheehan name come from?
Sheehan is an anglicised form of the Gaelic Ó Síodhacháin, “descendant of Síodhachán” — a personal name based on síodhach, “peaceful” or “peaceable,” so in effect “the peaceful one.” The O’ was often dropped in the anglicised form, giving both Sheehan and O’Sheehan.
Sheehan in Ireland
The name is associated particularly with Munster, in counties Cork, Limerick and Kerry, where the Ó Síodhacháin were long established. As an old Gaelic name, Sheehan is found today across Ireland and among the diaspora in the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain.
Related Irish family names
You may also like Scanlon, Slattery, and Barry.
Carry the Sheehan name with you
We craft heritage gifts for thousands of Irish and Scottish family names — mugs, woven blankets, ornaments and more. To find yours, type it into the search bar at the top of the page, or browse the Sheehan collection here.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sheehan an Irish surname?
Yes — Sheehan, or O’Sheehan, is a Gaelic Irish surname, from Ó Síodhacháin, long rooted in Munster.
What does Sheehan mean?
It means “descendant of Síodhachán,” from a word meaning “peaceful.”
Is there a Sheehan family crest?
Families of the name have heraldic traditions; the crest and tartan artwork on our Sheehan products is created as decorative heritage artwork to celebrate the name.