Surname Skeane - Meaning and Origin

Skeane: What does the surname Skeane mean?

The surname Skeane does not seem to have a specific documented meaning or derivation in genealogical databases. It is potentially of Irish origin, appearing in records in various forms such as Skeane, Skea, Skehan, and Skene. It may come from the Irish surname Ó'Scéacháin which is also anglicized as Skehan. However, its exact meaning remains unclear and disputable due to the lack of concrete historical evidence. Surnames can originate from several sources - they can denote geographical locations, ancestral occupations, or physical characteristics, among other factors. However, without specific historical or etymological evidence, it is challenging to determine the exact meaning of the name Skeane. Some sources suggest that Skeane or Skene might refer to a dagger or a short sword in old Scots language further linking it to Scottish heritage, but this is speculative rather than definitive. It's always intriguing to dig into the history behind surnames, and genealogical research can often shed some light on family history and heritage.

Skeane: Where does the name Skeane come from?

The last name Skeane is originally derived from the Irish surname O'Sceideáin. It is most commonly found in Ireland today, particularly in the areas of County Cork and County Limerick. The Skeane family is thought to have descended from the Ui Fiachrach, a clan in Mayo who lived in the medieval era.

In Australia, the Skeane surname can be found in the country's largest cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Adelaide where Irish immigrants have settled in large numbers. It is also common among families in New Zealand, as the Irish presence there dates back as far as the mid-1800s.

In the United States, most Skeanes are descended from Irish immigrants who settled in the east coast in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. There are also a small number of Skeanes in Canada, especially in regions adjacent to the United States, such as Ontario and Nova Scotia.

In recent decades, the Skeane surname has become somewhat dispersed across the globe, with individuals living in countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Argentine, Italy, Thailand and South Korea.

Variations of the surname Skeane

The surname Skeane is thought to be of Irish origin, and antique variants of the name include Skean, Skein, Skeene, Skain and Skaine. Its Gaelic form is ‘O Siaghain’ (meaning ‘descendant of one who repairs clothing’). It is thought to have been brought to Ireland by the Normans during the fourteenth century.

In Britain, the name is generally found in south Connacht, particularly in the counties of Mayo and Galway, and in south Leinster, especially in Tipperary and Limerick. It is thought to have spread from Kilkenny/Tipperary to Kerry/Cork in later years.

Variations of the surname can be found in Scotland, where O Siaghdhain and Siabhain can be found, as well as in England, as an Anglicised form of O Siaghdhain, Seaghain and Seagane.

In North America, forms of the name have been established in terms of Shahan, Skean, Skeen, Skene, Skeean and Skehan. In 1880 in the United States, records of Skeene and Skeen had already been established.

Some of the surnames derived from Skeane include Gainsborough, Kains, Kaine, Kane, Keane, Kean, Keen, Keyne, King, Kins, O’Kane, and O’Keane. However, not all of these surnames can be linked directly to Skeane and may have different origins.

Famous people with the name Skeane

• Aoife Skeane: professional roller skater
• Deirdre Skeane: Irish former TV presenter and radio DJ
• John Skeane: Irish sculptor
• Pat Skeane: Retired Irish cricketer
• William Skeane:Former English footballer
• Leonard Michael Skeane: Australian Bishop of the Roman Catholic church
• Andrea Skeane: Irish model
• Conall Skeane: Former Irish hurler
• Mark Skeane: Australian conchologist and malacologist
• Galvin Skeane: Former American football coach

Other surnames

Skean