Surname O'Shee - Meaning and Origin

O'Shee: What does the surname O'Shee mean?

The surname O'Shee is an Irish last name originating from the Irish Gaelic "O’Siodhaigh". It is derived from the Gaelic word "siodhach", meaning "peaceful" or "amicable". Historically, the name was associated with the powerful O'Shee clan who were chieftains of the O'Kellys and the O'Galloglys, both clans originating from CountyWestmeath in Ireland. The O’Shees were known to be warriors and noble, with a presence in the area as early as the 12th century.

Throughout history, the O'Shee surname has endured, with many living descendants of the ancient clan scattered throughout Ireland, the United Kingdom and North America. The people of the O'Shee clan share common traits, including an unyielding resilience to adversity and a strong sense of family and community. Those with the name are proud of their heritage and are known to hold onto it in spite of whatever circumstances arise.

The O'Shee surname has long been associated with Irish culture and history, with members widely holding positions of power or influence throughout the years. Today, the name is still celebrated within the Irish diaspora and those with the surname carry on its legacy with pride.

O'Shee: Where does the name O'Shee come from?

The last name O'Shee is of Irish origin, and comes from the Gaelic expression "O'Sheedhaigh" meaning "descendant of the near-seer". It is most commonly seen today in the countries of the British Isles, such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. According to Ancestry.com, O'Shee is especially prevalent in the Irish counties of Cork, Kerry, and Roscommon, though it can be seen scattered throughout the island. It is also seen in small pockets in other countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, among descendants of Irish immigrants who carried the name with them to their new homes.

The O'Shee name is often seen used interchangeably with variations such as Shee, O'Shea, O'Sheas, O'Shea, O'sShipping, Shearer, and Shea, making it tricky to trace the true origins of individuals with those names. It is ultimately a testament to the strength and resilience of Irish immigrants that the O'Shee name is still carried on today despite the many challenges faced during their many voyages to foreign lands.

Variations of the surname O'Shee

The surname O’Shee is an Irish surname of Gaelic origin. It is derived from the Gaelic “O’Sidhe”, which means ‘descendant of Sidhe’. The surname was most popularly found in the region of Limerick and Cork.

Variants of the O’Shee surname include O’Siodha, O’Shea, O’Shae, O’Sheeh, O’Shera and O’Sheagh. The spellings of this surname can also vary from region to region, such as O Shimidh, O Shimhidh, O Shuidh, O Shyidh, O’Shye and O Sheha.

The common surnames derived from the O’Shee surname are Shee, Shea, Sheah, Sheehan, Shay, Shae and Sheeg.

The surname O'Shee is still common among the Irish diaspora and can be found in countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, and England.

In some cases, the O’Shee surname may be completely anglicized to just Shee with no reference to the Irish derivation.

Famous people with the name O'Shee

• Micheál O'Shee: Irish Gaelic footballer for Mayo
• Paddy O'Shea: Irish film producer, actor, and writer
• Gerard O'Shea: American actor and singer
• Tom O'Shea: Traditional Irish singer and songwriter
• Dan O'Shee: Australian rugby league footballer
• Peadar O'Shea: Irish-American traditional fiddler
• Christina O'Shee: Irish former wrestler and powerlifter
• Jackie O'Shee: Irish former professional boxer
• Siobhan O'Shee: Irish visual artist
• Eimear O'Shea: Irish comedian
• Owen O'Shee: Irish sculptor and stonemason
• Tim O'Shee: Retired American soccer player
• May O'Shee: British broadcast journalist and television presenter
• Dan O'Shee: British writer and comic artist
• Philip O'Shee: Irish film, television and theatre actor
• Michael O'Shee: Irish former international hammer thrower
• John O'Shee: Irish rugby union player
• William O'Shee: British Member of Parliament
• Neil O'Shee: Irish hurler
• Claire O'Shee: Irish former actress
• Martin O'Shee: British engineer and entrepreneur
• John O'Shee: Australian conductor, composer, and musicologist

Other surnames

O'Shea