The surname Shiels is of Scottish and Irish origin, and has a long and rich history. It is believed to have originated from the Gaelic name "O'Seaghdha," which means "descendant of Seaghdha." The name Seaghdha itself is derived from the Gaelic word "seach," which means "hawk."
In Scotland, the Shiels surname is most commonly found in the Borders region, particularly in the town of Selkirk. The name is often associated with the Border Reivers, a group of lawless families who engaged in raids and cattle theft along the Anglo-Scottish border in the late Middle Ages. Many Shiels families were involved in these activities, and the name has become synonymous with toughness and resilience.
In England, the Shiels surname is less common than in Scotland and Ireland, but it still has a significant presence. The name is most commonly found in the northern counties, particularly in Northumberland and Durham. Many Shiels families in England can trace their ancestry back to Scottish or Irish roots, as the name spread across the border over the centuries.
The Shiels surname first appears in English records around the 16th century, and has since spread to other parts of the country. Today, there are Shiels families in various regions of England, each with their own unique history and traditions.
In Ireland, the Shiels surname is most commonly found in Ulster, particularly in counties Donegal and Down. The name has ancient Gaelic roots, and is believed to have been brought to Ireland by Scottish settlers during the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century.
Many Shiels families in Ireland have strong connections to the Presbyterian Church, and have played a prominent role in Irish history. The name is associated with loyalty and bravery, and many Shiels individuals have distinguished themselves in various fields, including politics, academia, and the arts.
The Shiels surname was brought to the United States by Irish and Scottish immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many Shiels families settled in the eastern states, particularly in New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Over time, the name spread to other parts of the country, and today there are Shiels families in every state.
Shiels individuals in the United States have made significant contributions to American society, in fields such as business, law, and politics. The name is proudly displayed by many descendants of the original immigrants, who continue to honor their heritage and traditions.
While the Shiels surname is most commonly found in the United Kingdom and Ireland, it has also spread to other parts of the world. In countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, there are Shiels families who have embraced their heritage and are proud of their ancestry.
The Shiels surname is also found in countries such as Mexico, South Africa, and Germany, where individuals with this name have made their mark in various fields. Whether through business, the arts, or politics, Shiels individuals around the world continue to uphold the legacy of their ancestors.
Overall, the Shiels surname has a rich and diverse history, and is a testament to the resilience and strength of the families who bear it. From the rugged landscapes of Scotland and Ireland to the bustling cities of the United States and beyond, the name Shiels continues to be a source of pride and identity for all who carry it.
Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it is possible to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same occurs when it comes to Shiels, which as you are able to corroborate, it may be stated it is a surname which can be present in all the nations regarding the world. Just as there are countries by which definitely the density of individuals utilizing the surname Shiels is higher than far away.
The chance of examining for a world map about which countries hold more Shiels on earth, assists us a whole lot. By placing ourselves on the map, on a concrete nation, we could start to see the concrete number of individuals aided by the surname Shiels, to obtain this way the complete information of all of the Shiels you could currently get in that nation. All of this additionally helps us to understand not just where the surname Shiels comes from, but also in excatly what way the people who're originally area of the family that bears the surname Shiels have relocated and relocated. In the same manner, you'll be able to see in which places they have settled and grown up, which explains why if Shiels is our surname, it seems interesting to which other nations regarding the globe it is possible any particular one of our ancestors once moved to.