Last Name Sheridan

The last name "Sheridan" has Irish origins. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Ó Sirideáin," which means "descendant of Sirideán." The exact meaning of the name "Sirideán" is uncertain, but it is thought to possibly derive from the elements "siór" meaning "long-lasting" or "enduring," and "éadan" meaning "face" or "appearance."

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Sheridan

On the matter of ethnicity, the Decennial U.S. Census data demonstrates shifts within the ethnic identity associated with the Sheridan surname between 2000 and 2010. For those identifying as White, there was a slight decrease from 92.47% in 2000 to 91.14% in 2010. Those identifying as Black saw a marginal increase from 3.36% to 3.55%. Individuals of Hispanic ethnicity rose from 1.72% to 2.29%. The percentage identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander increased from 0.57% to 0.62%, while American Indian and Alaskan Native representation also rose from 0.81% to 0.96%. The most notable change was seen in individuals identifying with two or more races, which saw a substantial increase from 1.07% in 2000 to 1.44% in 2010.

	2000	2010	Change
White	92.47%	91.14%	-1.44%
Black	3.36%	3.55%	5.65%
Hispanic	1.72%	2.29%	33.14%
Two or More Races	1.07%	1.44%	34.58%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.81%	0.96%	18.52%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.57%	0.62%	8.77%

Sheridan ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Sheridan is British & Irish, which comprises 59.9% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (16.4%) and Eastern European (5.5%). Additional ancestries include Italian, Scandinavian, Spanish & Portuguese, Ashkenazi Jewish, and Indigenous American.

Ready to learn more about your ancestry? Get the most comprehensive ancestry breakdown on the market by taking our DNA test.

ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
British & Irish	59.9%
French & German	16.4%
Eastern European	5.5%
Other	18.2%

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Sheridan

The meaning and origin of the last name Sheridan

The surname Sheridan is of Irish origin and derives from the Gaelic name Ó Sirideáin, meaning "descendant of Sirideán." The Gaelic name itself is a diminutive form of siride, which translates to "seeker." The Sheridan family originally hailed from County Cavan in Ireland and were part of the ancient Gaelic clan Ó Sirideáin. Over time, the name spread across Ireland and many Sheridans can be found in various regions of the country. In terms of meaning, the name Sheridan reflects the characteristics of a seeker or searcher, implying a quest for knowledge, truth, or guidance. Today, the surname Sheridan is fairly common both in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Australia, where many Irish immigrants settled.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sheridan

The surname Sheridan has a predominant distribution in Ireland, particularly in the provinces of Leinster and Munster. It originates from the Gaelic name Ó Sirideáin, meaning "descendant of Sirideán." County Longford in the province of Leinster is considered the ancestral home of the Sheridan family. However, the name has spread throughout the country due to migration and settlement patterns. In addition to Ireland, there are also significant populations of Sheridans in the United States, particularly in states with large Irish immigrant communities such as New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. The name has also reached other English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, where Irish emigration during different periods has led to the establishment of Sheridan communities. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Sheridan reflects the historical migration patterns of the Irish diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sheridan

The last name Sheridan has various variations and spellings, reflecting its origins and history. One possible variation is "Sheridon," which could emphasize a slightly different pronunciation. Other variations include "Sheridan" and "Shearadan," which maintain the original spelling but might be pronounced differently in certain regions. Additionally, the name might be spelled as "Sherridan" or "Sherydan," both of which could represent alternate ways of recording or pronouncing the surname. These variations can be attributed to factors such as regional accents, historical pronunciation shifts, or individual family preferences. The surname Sheridan is believed to have Irish origins and can be traced back to the Gaelic "O'Sirideain" or "Shirideain." Over time, as families migrated and adapted to new linguistic environments, the spelling and pronunciation of the name evolved, resulting in the various variations and spellings seen today.

Famous people with the last name Sheridan

Richard Brinsley Sheridan was a renowned Irish playwright and poet, known for his witty and satirical plays such as "The Rivals" and "The School for Scandal." Born in Dublin in 1751, Sheridan's contributions to the theatre have earned him a prominent place in the history of English drama. His plays continue to be performed and celebrated for their lively characters, sharp dialogue, and clever plots. Another notable figure is Nicollette Sheridan, an English-American actress, known for her roles in popular television series like "Knots Landing" and "Desperate Housewives." Born in 1963, she has garnered critical acclaim and multiple awards for her captivating performances and undeniable talent. Nicollette's presence on screen has made her a well-known figure in the world of entertainment, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.

Genealogical research on the last name Sheridan

The surname Sheridan has its origins in Ireland, and it is derived from the Gaelic name O'Sirideáin, which means "descendant of Sirideán." The name Sirideán itself is a personal name derived from the word "siride," meaning "peaceful." The Sheridan clan was prominent in County Cavan and County Longford, with a long-standing history in the province of Ulster. The Sheridan family is believed to have descended from an ancient Gaelic chieftain named Sirideán Ó Sheridan. They were known for their involvement in various military and political activities during medieval times. Over the years, the Sheridans spread throughout Ireland and established branches in different regions. Many Sheridans were involved in sectors such as law, literature, and politics, contributing significantly to Irish society. In the 19th and 20th centuries, economic factors and political events led to the dispersal of the Sheridan family worldwide, with many immigrating to countries such as the United States, Australia, and Canada. Today, the surname Sheridan can be found in various parts of the world, representing a diverse and widely spread global family.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Sheridan"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends