Origin & Meaning of the Sheehan Surname
What does the last name Sheehan mean?
The surname Sheehan carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 26,902 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Sheehan ranks as the #1,305 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Sheehan come from?
The Sheehan surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Sheehan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Sheehan trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Sheehan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,305 |
| US Count (2010) | 26,902 |
| Per 100K People | 9.12 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Sheehan
According to the US Census, the Sheehan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 26,902 Americans with the Sheehan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.22% |
| Black | 0.2% |
| Hispanic | 2.21% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.79% |
| Native American | 0.25% |
| Two or More Races | 1.33% |
Popularity of Sheehan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Sheehan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Sheehan surname increased by 795 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Sheehan Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Sheehan ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Sheehan Family
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- ✓ The Sheehan coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
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- ✓ Notable Sheehan bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Sheehan
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Sheehan.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Sheehan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sheehan
Top Surnames Starting with S
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter S, ranked by population.
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