Ó Seibhleáin
SHEVLIN is a family surname of Irish origin, and during the processes of Anglicization has been considerably changed from its original spelling. It is derived from ÓSelhleain, ÓSeibhlin and earlier ÓSebhlen, ÓSebhlain, from the personal name Sibhlian, meaning "quick." Sibhlian is the name of the ancient family who were once lords of the Failghe (in English, Offaly), a part of County Kildare, west of County Dublin. They are also found in the province of Armagh, at present they are chiefly located in the Province of Ulster.
Another derivation of the name Shevlin is from that the Slevin family, probably of the same family as above. They trace their line of descent from Milesius, King of Spain, through the line of his son Heremon, who came from Spain to Ireland at an early date. The founder of the family was Sleibni, who was descended from Feidlimidh, fourth son of Eogan, son of Nial of the Nine Hostages. The possessions of this early family were located in Counties Tyrone and Longford. Gilla-Comgaill Ua Sleibhin, chief poet of Ireland, who died A. D. 1031, was ancestor of the sept of ÓSlevin. The clan was originally seated west of Lough Foyle, but was in later times driven thence by the race of Conal Gulban. There were many distinguished poets of this name such as Muredaeh ÓSleibhin, chief poet of the North of Ireland, who was slain in A. D. 1022. Still another famous poet was Domnall ÓSleibhin, who died in 1168.
The early Irish families spelled their ancestral names in such a variety of ways, that it is very likely that the ÓShaughnessy or ÓShanney family were a branch of the same family. They were particularly noted for their heroic deeds in support of King James II, and the sacrifice of all their extensive lands after the failure of that irresolute monarch. The ÓShaughnessy family were fearlessly courageous throughout their entire history and were among the first, under King Roderick ÓConnor, to offer armed resistance to the Anglo-Normans and were always noted for their bravery and patriotism in opposing the invaders.
SOURCE: Thank you Susan Whitworth - grandaughter of Florence Hall Shevlin - for donating passages of a book called Hall and Clark Ancestry that was privately printed for Harriet Hall Shevlin by the American Historical Company, Inc. in 1942.
