Surname Slevin - Meaning and Origin

Slevin: What does the surname Slevin mean?

The last name Slevin is of Irish origin and comes from the Gaelic Gaelic surname "O aladhain". It is an anglicised version of the Old Irish name "Ua Sliabhain", meaning "descendant of Slevin". Slevin is a male given name, derived from the root word "sleibhain" which means mountain.

The name Slevin first appears in Irish records in the 12th century when a man named Slébhan mac Tighearnáin, was recorded as having a son named Donncallach Ua Slíabhain. By the end of the 12th century there were three main branches of the family, one settling in Moate, another in Fermanagh, and the third in Kilkenny.

The Slevin family have had a long association with Donegal, although there is no documentary evidence of settelment in the region until a later date. During the 16th century, the family's line of descent led to seven noble houses in Donegal, the two main branches of which were found at Tamney in the west and Killybegs in the east.

The Slevins were known to be agriculturalists, fisherman and craftsmen.

In more recent times, the last name Slevin has been numerous in the Irish diaspora. The popularity of the name can in part be attributed to immigration during the 19th century, which saw many people bearing the surname to the United States and other countries.

Slevin: Where does the name Slevin come from?

The last name Slevin is most commonly found in Ireland today. It is a variant of the Irish surname O'Sluadhain which is derived from the Old Irish word 'sluadh', meaning "serf". The Slevins are thought to have originated in County Mayo, being ancestors of the O'Mainin clan.

The Slevin surname can also be traced back to several counties in the west and south-west of Ireland, including Galway, Cork, Kilkenny and Waterford. Today, there are numerous Slevin families living throughout Ireland, particularly in County Mayo and Dublin, but also in other parts of the country.

Slevins can also be found abroad, predominantly in the United States and Canada, where they emigrated throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. In the US, the majority of recent Slevin immigrants are from Ireland, followed by Scotland and England. There is also a significant presence of the surname in France, Australia, New Zealand and other parts of the world.

The Slevins have a long history and an impressive diaspora, showing the strength of Irish immigration over the past centuries. They have adapted and thrived in many countries, making them one of the more globally successful Irish surnames.

Variations of the surname Slevin

Slevin is an Irish surname, derived from the Gaelic O'Sleibhein. It is also sometimes spelled Slevine, Sleevan, Slevan and Sleavin. Historically, the surname can be found in the Counties of North Antrim, Down, Westmeath, Louth and Leitrim.

Variants and other spellings of the surname also include Slavin, Sleaven, Sleavin, Sleevan, Sleveen, Slevane, Slevin, Slewven, and Slewain.

Slevin is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic O’Sleibhein, which is derived from the personal name Slebhe, meaning “mountainous”. The name itself has been found in County Monaghan, where it is was common in the 16th century.

The Sleevan variant is probably derived from the Gaelic “O’Sleibhin”. This variant is more commonly found in Counties Fermanagh and Antrim.

The Slevan variant is associated with Counties Down and Tyrone, in the Southwest of Ireland. It may also be related to “O’Sleiban” which has been found in County Louth.

The Sleavin variant is mainly found in County Westmeath, and is associated with “O’Stioghlin” which is an Irish surname.

The Slevin variant is associated with County Leitrim, in the South of Ireland. It is derived from the Gaelic O’Giollain, a surname found in County Leitrim since the 15th century.

Famous people with the name Slevin

• Josh Slevin: Canadian television actor best known for his role in the sitcom, Class of the Titans
• Deven Slevin: Film and television actress with roles on Queer as Folk, The L Word, and V.I.P.
• Robert Slevin: Artist and blacksmith who appeared in the television show Forged in Fire
• Grace Slevin: Singer and actress who starred in the musicals Sunset Boulevard and The Light in the Piazza
• Paul Slevin: American actor/director known for roles in The Neighbors and Handsome
• Edward Slevin: Jazz artist and New York Philharmonic flutist
• Maureen Slevin: British actress who appeared in The Division and Mothers with Daughters
• Stephen Slevin: American political activist and prisoner of war who was featured in the movie The 8th Day
• Tom Slevin: Irish footballer who made over 250 appearances in the North American Soccer League
• Elizabeth Slevin: Voice actress known for her work in video games like Final Fantasy IX and The Dig

Other surnames

Slevine