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ArchivesRe: origin of Irish surnames SHEEHAN and FALVEY
in reply to a message by M.Sagani
Hello Sagani,
Sheehan: very numerous in all areas of Ireland, but especially in Munster (the southern province). In Irish it is Ó Síodhcháin, sítheach, meaning peaceful. However the Old Irish sídeach means “wolf” and the Scottish Highland Shaws drive from it, so Sheehan may not be entirely non-violent.
Falvey: numerous in Kerry-Cork. In Irish it is Ó Fáilbhe (from the Irish word, fáilbheach which means ‘lively’). They were famous as pre-Norman Invasion chieftains of Corca Dhuibhne (Dingle Peninsula in Kerry). They retained a leading status until fairly recent times. The name has become Fealy in some parts of Kerry.
Sheehan: very numerous in all areas of Ireland, but especially in Munster (the southern province). In Irish it is Ó Síodhcháin, sítheach, meaning peaceful. However the Old Irish sídeach means “wolf” and the Scottish Highland Shaws drive from it, so Sheehan may not be entirely non-violent.
Falvey: numerous in Kerry-Cork. In Irish it is Ó Fáilbhe (from the Irish word, fáilbheach which means ‘lively’). They were famous as pre-Norman Invasion chieftains of Corca Dhuibhne (Dingle Peninsula in Kerry). They retained a leading status until fairly recent times. The name has become Fealy in some parts of Kerry.
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