Sheehan

Sheehan is a surname of Irish origin. It derives from the Gaelic Ó Síodháin (often anglicized as Sheehan), from a personal name Siodhán used in medieval Ireland. The name has long been associated with families in various regions of Ireland and was carried abroad through migration.

The surname is common in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora, particularly in North America and Australasia. Over time, multiple spellings have emerged, with Sheahan and Shehan among the most frequent variants, reflecting regional pronunciation and anglicization practices. Other related forms appear in Gaelic records and genealogical sources.

Notable bearers span diverse fields, and, as with many Irish surnames, individuals with the name have been active in politics, sports, the arts, and academia. The name also appears in fictional works and in historical documents, reflecting its prominence in Irish and diasporic contexts.

In addition to its use as a surname, Sheehan may appear in place-naming or organizational titles linked to families bearing the name. For further background, see Ó Síodháin, the Gaelic predecessor of the anglicized surname.