O'Sheehan

O'Sheehan is an Irish surname. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Ó Síodhcháin, meaning "descendant of Síodhchán." Síodhchán itself is a personal name composed of the elements síodh meaning "peace" or "tranquility" and cán meaning "battle" or "rule."

The O'Sheehan clan originated in County Cork, Ireland, specifically in the barony of Duhallow. They were historically a sept of the larger Uí Eachach Mumhan, a powerful tribal grouping in Munster. Over time, the O'Sheehans spread to other areas of Ireland, including County Limerick and County Tipperary.

Variations of the name include Sheehan, Sheahan, Shean, and Sheahan.

The name, like many Irish surnames, saw increased dispersion during the Great Famine of the 19th century, as Irish emigrants sought new lives abroad, primarily in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Great Britain.

Today, O'Sheehan (and its variations) is a relatively common Irish surname found worldwide.