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{{short description|none}} <!-- "none" is preferred when the title is sufficiently descriptive; see ] -->
{{refimprove|date=May 2009}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
A formal '''Irish-language personal name''' consists of a ] and a ]. Surnames in ] are generally ] in etymology, although they are no longer literal patronyms, as most ]s are. The form of a surname varies according to whether its bearer is ] or ] and in the case of a ] woman, whether she chooses to adopt her husband's surname.
{{more citations needed|date=May 2009}}
A formal '''Irish name''' consists of a ] and a ]. In the ], most surnames are ] (distinct from ]s, which are seen in ]s for example). The form of a surname varies according to whether its bearer is a man, a woman, or a woman married to a man, who adopts his surname.


An alternative traditional naming convention consists of the first name followed by a double patronym, usually with the father and grandfather's names. This convention is not used for official purposes but is generalized in '']'', or Irish-speaking areas, and also survives in some rural non-Gaeltacht areas. Sometimes the name of the mother or grandmother may be used instead of that of the father or grandfather. An alternative traditional naming convention consists of the first name followed by a double patronym, usually with the father and grandfather's names. This convention is not used for official purposes but is generalized in {{lang|ga|]}} (Irish-speaking areas) and also survives in some rural non-{{lang|ga|Gaeltacht}} areas. Sometimes the name of the mother or grandmother may be used instead of the father or grandfather.


==Epithets== ==Epithets==
{{See also|Epithet}}
A first name may be modified by an adjective to distinguish its bearer from other people with the same name. '''''Mór''''' ("big") and '''''Óg''''' ("young") are used to distinguish father and son, like English "]" and "]", but are placed between the given name and the surname: ''Seán Óg Ó Súilleabháin'' corresponds to "John O'Sullivan Jr." (although anglicised versions of the name often drop the "O'" from the name).
A first name may be modified by an adjective to distinguish its bearer from other people with the same name. '''{{lang|ga|Mór}}''' ("big") and '''{{lang|ga|Óg}}''' ("young") are used to distinguish parent and child, like "]" and "]" are used in ], but are placed between the given name and the surname, e.g. {{lang|ga|Seán Óg Ó Súilleabháin}} corresponds to "John O'Sullivan Jr." (anglicised surnames often omit {{vr|O'}}, leaving no trace of original {{lang|ga|Ó}}).


The word ''Beag''/''Beg'', meaning "little", can be used in place of ''Óg''. This did not necessarily indicate that the younger person was small in stature, merely younger than his father. Sometimes ''beag'' would be used to imply a baby was small at birth, possibly ]. The word '''{{lang|ga|Beag}}''' ("little") can be used in place of {{lang|ga|Óg}}. This does not necessarily indicate that the younger person is smaller in stature, merely younger than their parent or in some cases to imply a baby was small, possibly ], at birth.


Adjectives denoting hair colour may also be used, especially informally: ''Pádraig Rua'' ("red-haired Patrick"), ''Máire Bhán'' ("fair-haired Mary"). Adjectives denoting hair colour may also be used, especially informally, e.g. {{lang|ga|Pádraig Rua}} ("red-haired Patrick"), {{lang|ga|Máire Bhán}} ("fair-haired Mary").


=== Traditional ''Gaeltacht'' names ===
==Surnames and prefixes==
Colloquially in {{lang|ga|]}} (Irish-speaking areas) and some other areas it remains customary to use a name formed by the first name (or nickname), followed by the father and the paternal grandfather's name, both in the ], e.g. {{lang|ga|Seán Ó Cathasaigh}} (Seán O'Casey), son of {{lang|ga|Pól}}, son of {{lang|ga|Séamus}}, would be known to his neighbours as {{lang|ga|Seán Phóil Shéamuis}}. Occasionally, if the mother or grandmother was a well-known person locally, her name may be used instead. If the mother's name is used, then the maternal grandfather or grandmother may follow it, e.g. {{lang|ga|Máire Sally Eoghain}}.
A male's surname generally takes the form '''''Ó'''''/'''''Ua''''' (meaning "descendant") or '''''Mac''''' ("son") followed by the ] of a name, as in ''Ó Dónaill'' ("descendant of Dónall") or ''Mac Lochlainn'' ("son of Lochlann").


This system can be particularly useful for distinguishing people who live in the same area and who share a common surname but are not closely related, e.g. two people named John McEldowney might be known as "John Patsy Dan" and "John Mary Philip" respectively. Even the Irish forms sometimes survive in parts of the ], so that among the principal families of ] some branches are known by father/grandfather forms such as {{lang|ga|Pháidí Shéamais}} or {{lang|ga|Bhrian Dhónaill}}.
A son has the same surname as his father. A female's surname replaces ''Ó'' with '''''Ní''''' (reduced from ''Iníon Uí'' – "daughter of descendant of") and ''Mac'' with '''''Nic''''' (reduced from ''Iníon Mhic'' – "daughter of the son of"); in both cases the following name undergoes ]. However, if the second part of the surname begins with the letter ''C'' or ''G'', it is not lenited after ''Nic''. Thus the daughter of a man named Ó Dónaill has the surname ''Ní Dhónaill''; the daughter of a man named Mac Lochlainn has the surname ''Nic Lochlainn''. When anglicised, the name can remain O' or Mac, regardless of gender.


==Surnames==
If a woman marries, she may choose to take her husband's surname. In this case, ''Ó'' is replaced by '''''Bean Uí''''' ("wife of descendant of") and ''Mac'' is replaced by '''''Bean Mhic''''' ("wife of the son of"). In both cases ''bean'' may be omitted, in which case the woman uses simply '''''Uí''''' or '''''Mhic'''''. Again, the second part of the surname is lenited (unless it begins with ''C'' or "G", in which case it is only lenited after ''Uí''). Thus a woman marrying a man named Ó Dónaill may choose to be use ''Bean Uí Dhónaill'' (Mrs. ] in English) or ''Uí Dhónaill'' as her surname; a woman marrying a man named Mac Lochlainn may choose to be use ''Bean Mhic Lochlainn'' (Mrs. ] in English) or ''Mhic Lochlainn'' as her surname.


=== Ó and Mac surnames ===
If the second part of the surname begins with a ], the form ''Ó'' attaches an ''h'' to it, as in ''Ó hUiginn'' (]) or ''Ó hAodha'' (]). The other forms effect no change: ''Ní Uiginn'', ''(Bean) Uí Uiginn''; ''Mac Aodha'', ''Nic Aodha'', ''Mhic Aodha'', and so forth.
A man's surname is generally formed by '''{{lang|ga|Ó}}''' ("descendant"; historically {{lang|ga|Ua}}) or '''{{lang|ga|Mac}}''' ("son") followed by a name or definite noun (often a profession) in the ], e.g. {{lang|ga|Ó Dónaill}} (literally "descendant of ]") and {{lang|ga|Mac Siúrtáin}} (literally "son of Jordan"). When {{lang|ga|Ó}} is followed by a vowel, a (lowercase) {{vr|h}} is attached to the vowel, e.g. {{lang|ga|]}} (O'Higgins) or {{lang|ga|]}} (Hughes).


A woman's surname replaces {{lang|ga|Ó}} with '''{{lang|ga|Ní}}''' (reduction of {{lang|ga|Iníon Uí}} "descendant's daughter") and {{lang|ga|Mac}} with '''{{lang|ga|Nic}}''' (reduction of {{lang|ga|Iníon Mhic}} "son's daughter"). In both cases the following name undergoes ], except for when {{lang|ga|Nic}} is followed by {{vr|c}} or {{vr|g}}. Thus the daughter of {{lang|ga|Seán Ó Dónaill}} has the surname {{lang|ga|Ní Dhónaill}} and the daughter of a {{lang|ga|Pól Mac Siúrtáin}} has the surname {{lang|ga|Nic Shiúrtáin}}. In ] it is common for a woman who adopts her husband name to just use {{lang|ga|Ní}} or {{lang|ga|Nic}} rather than the forms seen below.
''Mag'' is often used instead of ''Mac'' before a vowel or (sometimes) the silent ''fh''. The single female form of "Mag" is "Nig". ''Ua'' is an alternative form of ''Ó''.


If a woman marries a man, she may choose to take his surname. In this case, {{lang|ga|Ó}} is replaced by '''{{lang|ga|Bean Uí}}''' ("descendant's wife") and {{lang|ga|Mac}} by '''{{lang|ga|Bean Mhic}}''' ("son's wife"). In both cases {{lang|ga|Bean}} may be omitted, which results in '''{{lang|ga|Uí}}''' or '''{{lang|ga|Mhic}}'''. In both cases the following name undergoes ], except for when {{lang|ga|Mhic}} is followed by {{vr|c}} or {{vr|g}}. Thus a woman marrying {{lang|ga|Seán Ó Dónaill}} may choose to adopt {{lang|ga|Bean Uí Dhónaill}} or {{lang|ga|Uí Dhónaill}} as her surname and a woman marrying {{lang|ga|Pól Mac Siúrtáin}} may choose to adopt {{lang|ga|Bean Mhic Siúrtáin}} or {{lang|ga|Mhic Siúrtáin}} as her surname.
Some names of ] origin have the prefix ''Fitz'', from ] ''filius'' "son", such as Fitzwilliam, Fitzgerald, and so forth. Other Norman surnames may have the prefix "de", such as de Búrca, de Paor, or de Róiste.


{{lang|ga|Mag}}, {{lang|ga|Nig}}, and {{lang|ga|Mhig}} are sometimes used instead of {{lang|ga|Mac}}, {{lang|ga|Nic}}, and {{lang|ga|Mhic}} before a vowel or {{vr|fh}} (which is silent) followed by a vowel.
{| class="wikitable" align="center" style="text-align:center"

=== Other surnames ===
] surnames formed by {{lang|ga|de}} (always lowercase; "of") followed by a name, e.g. {{lang|ga|de Búrca}} (]), {{lang|ga|de Paor}} (]), or {{lang|ga|de hÍde}} (], ]).

Some names consist of {{lang|ga|Mac Giolla}} ("servant's son") or {{lang|ga|Ó Maoil}} ("follower's descendent") followed by a name in the genitive case, e.g. {{lang|ga|Mac Giolla Phádraig}}, {{lang|ga|Ó Maoil Eoin}}.

{| class="wikitable"
|+Summary of section contents
|- |-
! colspan="5" |Irish
! Male
! rowspan="3" |Anglicisation
! Meaning
! rowspan="3" |Example
! Anglicised
! Daughter
! Wife
! Examples
|- |-
! rowspan="2" |Base
| Mac || son || Mc/Mac/M'/Mag || Nic || Mhic || Seán Mac Mathúna, Máire Mhic Mhathúna (wife of Seán), Aoife Nic Mhathúna (daughter of Seán)
! rowspan="2" |Person
! colspan="2" |]
! rowspan="2" |Meaning
|- |-
!]
| Ó/Ua || descendant || O' || Ní || Uí || Pól Ó Murchú, Mairéad Uí Mhurchú (wife of Pól), Gráinne Ní Mhurchú (daughter of Pól)
!]/]
|-
! rowspan="3" |Ó
!Man
| Ó
|Uí
|descendent|| rowspan="3" | O' or omitted || Pól Ó Murchú
|-
!Wife
| Uí
|Bhean Uí
|descendent's
|Mairéad Uí Mhurchú
|-
!Woman
| colspan="2" |Ní
|descendent's daughter
|Gráinne Ní Mhurchú
|-
! rowspan="3" |Mac
!Man
|Mac
|Mhic
|son
| rowspan="3" |Mc, Mac, M', Mag, or omitted
|Seán Mac Mathúna
|-
!Wife
| Mhic
|Bhean Mhic
|son's
|Máire Mhic Mhathúna
|-
!Woman
| colspan="2" |Nic
|son's daughter
|Aoife Nic Mhathúna
|-
!de
!All
| colspan="2" |de
|of
|de or omitted
|Séamus de Búrca
|} |}

==Patronyms and other additives==
Many Irish surnames are concentrated in particular parts of the country and there are areas where a single surname may account for a large proportion of the population. Examples include O'Reilly in County Cavan, Ryan in County Tipperary and East County Limerick, or O'Sullivan in the Beara peninsula of West Cork; or areas, such as ] in the ], where there are several dominant surnames (in that instance O'Kane, Mullan, McNicholl and some others). In such cases, the surname may also acquire an additive in popular usage to differentiate one group bearing the same surname from another.

This sometimes originates as a simple ]&nbsp;– that is, a James whose father was Harry might be referred to as Harry's James&nbsp;– but may be passed to later generations, so that James' son Pat might be Harry's Pat. This can also occur if a person becomes well known by a nickname: his children may take his nickname as an additive. For example, if Seán O'Brien was often referred to as "Badger", his son Patrick might be referred to orally as Pat Badger and written as Patrick O'Brien (B). {{citation needed|date=November 2015}}

In Tipperary, additives are particularly common among those bearing the Ryan surname. Examples include Ryan Lacken, Ryan Luke and Ryan Doc. A man christened Thomas Ryan might be known as Tommy Doc and his family might be referred as the Docs. While the additive is not part of a person's official name, it may be used in a postal address, on an election register or in newspaper reports. In this case, Tommy Doc might be written as Thomas Ryan (D).{{citation needed|date=November 2015}}

===Traditional Gaeltacht names===

In Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) areas, it remains customary to use a name composed of the first name, followed by the father's name in the ], followed by the name of the paternal grandfather, also in the genitive. Thus Seán Ó Cathasaigh (Seán O'Casey), son of Pól, son of Séamus, would be known to his neighbours as Seán Phóil Shéamuis. Occasionally, if the mother or grandmother was a well-known person locally, her name may be used instead of that of the father or grandfather. If the mother's name is used, then that of the maternal grandfather (or potentially grandmother) follows it, for example, Máire Sally Eoghain.

These names are not used for official purposes. Often a nickname or English version of a name is used in their composition where the person would use a standard Irish form in formal circumstances. For example, the prominent ] singer ] is perhaps better known as Johnny Mhairtín Learaí.

This naming system also survives to a certain extent in rural areas outside the existing Gaeltacht. The system can be particularly useful for distinguishing individuals who live in the same locale and who share a common surname but are not closely related. For example, two individuals named John McEldowney might be known as "John Patsy Den" and "John Mary Philip" respectively. Even the Irish forms sometimes survive in parts of the ], so that among the principal families of ] some branches are known by father/grandfather forms such as Pháidí Shéamais or Bhrian Dhónaill.


==Examples of first names and surnames== ==Examples of first names and surnames==
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===Notable examples of first names and surnames=== ===Notable examples of first names and surnames===
<!-- <!--

DO NOT ADD self-translated or unsourced "Irish" names for celebrities; they will be removed unless a RELIABLE source is given with the name. See ] - "If someone did not use the Irish version of his or her name, it is not appropriate or encyclopaedic to "invent" such names, as this constitutes original research." DO NOT ADD self-translated or unsourced "Irish" names for celebrities; they will be removed unless a RELIABLE source is given with the name. See ] - "If someone did not use the Irish version of his or her name, it is not appropriate or encyclopaedic to "invent" such names, as this constitutes original research."

--> -->
Most Irish people use ] (or at least anglicised) forms of their names in English-language contexts and ] forms in Irish-language contexts. The Irish names of some famous people include: Many Irish people use ] (or ]) forms of their names in English-language contexts and ] forms in Irish-language contexts. The Irish names of some people more famous under their English names include:
{| class="wikitable sortable" {| class="wikitable sortable"
! English/Anglicised name ! English/Anglicised name
! Irish name ! Irish name
! class=unsortable | Notes ! class=unsortable | Notes
|-
| ]
| Parthalán Ó hEachthairn
| ] from 1997 to 2008.
|- |-
| ] | ]
| Tomás Ághas | Tomás Ághas
| ] member | ] member
|-
| ]
| Éinrí Eoin Ó Beólláin{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}}
|
|- |-
| ] | ]
| Máire Ní Bhraonáin<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/ireland/article6301871.ece | title = Surge in deed poll name changes | date = 2009-05-17 | first = Colin | last = Coyle | work = ] | location = London | accessdate = 2010-05-05}}</ref> | Máire Ní Bhraonáin<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/ireland/article6301871.ece | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100604053743/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/ireland/article6301871.ece | url-status = dead | archive-date = 4 June 2010 | title = Surge in deed poll name changes | date = 2009-05-17 | first = Colin | last = Coyle | work = ] | location = London | access-date = 2010-05-05}}</ref>
| Irish-language spelling as birth name | Irish-language spelling as birth name
|- |-
| ] | ]
| Dainéil Ó Buachalla
| Survivor of ]
|-
| ]
| Toirdhealbhach Ó Cearbhalláin | Toirdhealbhach Ó Cearbhalláin
| Irish harpist and composer | Irish harpist and composer
|- |-
| ] | ]
| Mícheál Eoin Ó Coileáin | Mícheál Ó Coileáin
| signed ] with Irish-language name | signed ] with Irish-language name
|-
| ]
| Mícheál Ó Corcráin
| Union Army General
|-
| ]
| Liam Mac Cosgair
| William(?) Thomas Cosgrave (the son), ]
|-
| ]
| Liam Tomás Mac Cosgair<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://archive.is/20120730172241/http://www.adams.ie/bidcat/detail.asp?SaleRef=7029&LotRef=593 |date=2012-07-30 }}</ref>
| William Thomas Cosgrave (the father), ]
|-
| ]
| Mícheál Seosamh Mac Oisdealb
| Irish Army General
|- |-
| ] | ]
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| Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin | Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin
| Irish singer, songwriter and musician | Irish singer, songwriter and musician
|-
| ]
| Gearóid Mac Gearailt
| twice ]
|-
| ]
| Seán O'Fearna
| Irish American actor and film director
|-
| ]
| Seamus Ó Fuireastal
| Irish American ]
|- |-
| ] | ]
| Art Ó Gríobhtha | Art Ó Gríobhtha
| ] member; ] founder and leader; bilingual signature on ] | ] member; ] founder and leader; bilingual signature on ]
|-
| ]
| Peatsaí Ó hEadhra{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}}
|
|-
| ]
| Cathal Ó hEochaidh
| three times ]
|- |-
| ] | ]
| Micheál Ó hUiggin | Micheál Ó hUigínn
| 9th ] | 9th ]
|- |-
Line 150: Line 141:
| Dubhghlas de hÍde | Dubhghlas de hÍde
| 1st ]; ] founder | 1st ]; ] founder
|-
| ]
| Seóirse Ó Céilechair
| Cork Born American Architect
|-
| ]
| Seán Mac Gearailt Ó Cinnéide<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.corkcity.ie/citycouncil/freedomofthecity/ |date=2010-04-09 |title=Roll of the Honorary Burgesses of The City of Cork - Freedom of the City |publisher=] |location=] |accessdate=2010-05-05 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071119084514/http://www.corkcity.ie/citycouncil/freedomofthecity/ |archivedate=November 19, 2007 }}</ref>
| 35th President of the United States
|-
| ]
| Caitríona Nic Thiarnáin{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}}
| fiance of ]
|-
| ]
| Seán Ó Loingsigh
| twice ]
|- |-
| ] | ]
| Máire Mhic Ghiolla Íosa | Máire Mhic Ghiolla Íosa
| née Mary Leneghan/Máire Ní Lionnacháin | née Mary Leneghan/Máire Ní Lionnacháin
|-
|]
|Caoimhín Mac Cárthaigh
|Actor
|- |-
| ] | ]
| Liam Ó Maoilíosa<ref name="oir-f-19190121-3">{{citation|url=http://historical-debates.oireachtas.ie/D/DT/D.F.O.191901210004.html |title=An Rolla |chapter=Chapter 3 |work=Dáil Debates |volume=F |date=1919-01-21 |accessdate=2010-05-05 |publisher=Dáil Éireann |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071119184338/http://historical-debates.oireachtas.ie/D/DT/D.F.O.191901210004.html |archivedate=2007-11-19 |df= }}</ref> | Liam Ó Maoilíosa<ref name="oir-f-19190121-3">{{citation|title=Dáil Debates - Díospóireachtaí Dála|date=1919-01-21|volume=F|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071119184338/http://historical-debates.oireachtas.ie/D/DT/D.F.O.191901210004.html|chapter=3. AN ROLLA|chapter-url=http://historical-debates.oireachtas.ie/D/DT/D.F.O.191901210004.html|publisher=Dáil Éireann|access-date=2010-05-05|archive-date=2007-11-19|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| |
|-
|]
|Tomás/Tomaltach Seosamh Ó'Maonaigh
|Labor Leader
|-
|]
| Éirinn Máire Ó Móráin
|Irish-American actress
|-
|Dr. Trevor Morrow
|Trebhar Mac Murchadha
|Former Presbyterian Church in Ireland Moderator
|-
|]
| Risteárd Ó Maolchatha<ref name="oir-f-19190121-3"/>
|Old IRA/Irish Army Chief of Staff
|-
| ]
| Denis Ó Briain{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}}
|
|-
| ]
| Irimia Seosamh Ó Conaill
| Irish Army officer
|- |-
| ] | ]
| Caoimhín Ó hUiginn<ref></ref> | Caoimhín Ó hUiginn<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://museum.limerick.ie/index.php/Detail/Object/Show/object_id/51671|title=Limerick City and County Museum|website=museum.limerick.ie|at=Signature of Caoimhín Ó hUiginn|access-date=2019-07-30}}</ref>
| ] and ]; not to be confused with the more recent official also in the ] | ] and ]
|- |-
| ] | ]
| Seán T. Ó Ceallaigh<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.president.ie/index.php?section=36&lang=ire | title = Beathnaiséisí: Séan T O'Ceallaigh | language = Irish | publisher = ]/] | location = ] | accessdate = 2010-05-05 }}</ref> | Seán T. Ó Ceallaigh<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.president.ie/index.php?section=36&lang=ire | title = Beathnaiséisí: Séan T O'Ceallaigh | language = Irish | publisher = ]/] | location = ] | access-date = 2010-05-05 }}</ref>
| ], first ], ] | ], first ], ]
|- |-
| ] | ]
| Tomás Phroinsias Ó Rathaille<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/folklore/james_delargy_and_storymen/delargy_stiofain_ohealaoire.htm | title = James Delargy and the Storymen of North Clare | first = Michael | last = MacMahon | date = 2009-07-01 | access-date = 2010-05-05 | publisher = Clare County Library | location = ], ] }} Originally from: {{cite journal | first = Michael | last = MacMahon | title = James Delargy and the Storymen of North Clare | journal = The Other Clare | volume = 33 | year = 2009 | pages = 63–70 | publisher = Shannon Archaeological & Historical Society | issn = 0332-088X | location = ] }}</ref>
| Proinsias Ó Néill
|
|-
| ]
| Tomás Phroinsias Ó Rathaille<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/folklore/james_delargy_and_storymen/delargy_stiofain_ohealaoire.htm | title = James Delargy and the Storymen of North Clare | first = Michael | last = MacMahon | date = 2009-07-01 | accessdate = 2010-05-05 | publisher = Clare County Library | location = ], ] }} Originally from: {{cite journal | first = Michael | last = MacMahon | title = James Delargy and the Storymen of North Clare | work = The Other Clare | volume = 33 | year = 2009 | pages = 63–70 | publisher = Shannon Archaeological & Historical Society | issn = 0332-088X | location = ] }}</ref>
| scholar of Celtic language and culture; sometimes also "Rahilly" or "Rahily" | scholar of Celtic language and culture; sometimes also "Rahilly" or "Rahily"
|-
| ]
| Seosamh Ó Súilleabháin{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}}
| (likely very common name)
|- |-
| ] | ]
Line 227: Line 166:
| ]; '']'' editor; ] founder | ]; '']'' editor; ] founder
|- |-
| ] | ]
| Seosamh Máire Pluincéad{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}} | Seosamh Máire Pluincéad{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}}
| ] member; an ] leader | ] member; an ] leader
|-
| ]
| Seán Éamonn Mac Réamainn<ref> Department of the Taoiseach website, historical pages</ref>
|
|-
| ]
| Ailbhe Mac Raghnaill
| ]
|- |-
| ] | ]
Line 243: Line 174:
| (née Máire de Búrca)<!--not Nic Róibín as this is her married name, not her maiden name--> | (née Máire de Búrca)<!--not Nic Róibín as this is her married name, not her maiden name-->
|- |-
| ] | ]
| Gearóid Ó Tuathail<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.toal.net/ | title = Faculty Page: Dr Gerard Toal, Virginia Tech. | first = Gerard | last = Toal | author-link = Gerard Toal | date = 2006-11-29 | access-date = 2010-05-06 | archive-date = 27 December 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211227230918/http://toal.net/ | url-status = dead }}</ref>
| Cornelius Ó Riagháin
| War correspondent and author
|-
| ]
| Padric Ó Riagháin
| Irish American Heavyweight boxer
|-
| ]
| Roibeárd Gearóid Ó Seachnasaigh{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}}
| |
|-
| ]
| Aibhistín de Staic{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}}
|
|-
|]
|Sean Ó Súilleabháin
|Irish-American Boxing heavyweight Champion of the World
|-
| ]
| Gearóid Ó Tuathail<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.toal.net/ | title = Faculty Page: Dr Gerard Toal, Virginia Tech. | first = Gerard | last = Toal | authorlink = Gerard Toal | date = 2006-11-29 | accessdate = 2010-05-06 }}</ref>
|} |}
Other people are generally better known by their Irish name than by their English name, including the following:

{{unreferenced section|date=May 2010}}
Other people are better known by their Irish name than by their English name:


{| class="wikitable sortable" {| class="wikitable sortable"
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| (1560&ndash;1629, ]) | (1560&ndash;1629, ])
|- |-
| ] | Gráinne Ní Mháille
| Grace O'Malley | ]
| many other Irish-language and English-language respellings of her name also exist | many other Irish-language and English-language respellings of her name also exist
|- |-
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| ] | ]
| Patrick Harrington | Patrick Harrington
| Golfer; three-time ] winner
|
|- |-
| ] | ]
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| |
|- |-
| ] | ]
| Laurence O'Toole | Laurence O'Toole
| |
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| ] | ]
| Edward De Valera | Edward De Valera
| 2nd ] (1937–1948, 1951–1954, 1957–1959); 3rd ] (1959–1973)
|
|- |-
| ] | ]
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|"Margaret", another English equivalent of "Mairéad", is rarely used. |"Margaret", another English equivalent of "Mairéad", is rarely used.
|} |}
{{unreferenced section|date=May 2010}}


==See also== ==See also==
*]
*] *]
*] *]
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==External links== ==External links==
*
* at LibraryIreland.com * at LibraryIreland.com
* at IrishTimes.com * at IrishTimes.com ()
* at Dubliner.com * at Dubliner.com
* by MedievalScotland.org * by MedievalScotland.org
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{{Irish linguistics}} {{Irish linguistics}}


{{Ireland topics}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Irish Name}}

] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 01:14, 9 November 2024

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
Find sources: "Irish name" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (May 2009) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

A formal Irish name consists of a given name and a surname. In the Irish language, most surnames are patronymic surnames (distinct from patronyms, which are seen in Icelandic names for example). The form of a surname varies according to whether its bearer is a man, a woman, or a woman married to a man, who adopts his surname.

An alternative traditional naming convention consists of the first name followed by a double patronym, usually with the father and grandfather's names. This convention is not used for official purposes but is generalized in Gaeltachtaí (Irish-speaking areas) and also survives in some rural non-Gaeltacht areas. Sometimes the name of the mother or grandmother may be used instead of the father or grandfather.

Epithets

See also: Epithet

A first name may be modified by an adjective to distinguish its bearer from other people with the same name. Mór ("big") and Óg ("young") are used to distinguish parent and child, like "senior" and "junior" are used in English, but are placed between the given name and the surname, e.g. Seán Óg Ó Súilleabháin corresponds to "John O'Sullivan Jr." (anglicised surnames often omit ⟨O'⟩, leaving no trace of original Ó).

The word Beag ("little") can be used in place of Óg. This does not necessarily indicate that the younger person is smaller in stature, merely younger than their parent or in some cases to imply a baby was small, possibly premature, at birth.

Adjectives denoting hair colour may also be used, especially informally, e.g. Pádraig Rua ("red-haired Patrick"), Máire Bhán ("fair-haired Mary").

Traditional Gaeltacht names

Colloquially in Gaeltachtaí (Irish-speaking areas) and some other areas it remains customary to use a name formed by the first name (or nickname), followed by the father and the paternal grandfather's name, both in the genitive case, e.g. Seán Ó Cathasaigh (Seán O'Casey), son of Pól, son of Séamus, would be known to his neighbours as Seán Phóil Shéamuis. Occasionally, if the mother or grandmother was a well-known person locally, her name may be used instead. If the mother's name is used, then the maternal grandfather or grandmother may follow it, e.g. Máire Sally Eoghain.

This system can be particularly useful for distinguishing people who live in the same area and who share a common surname but are not closely related, e.g. two people named John McEldowney might be known as "John Patsy Dan" and "John Mary Philip" respectively. Even the Irish forms sometimes survive in parts of the Sperrins, so that among the principal families of Glenullin some branches are known by father/grandfather forms such as Pháidí Shéamais or Bhrian Dhónaill.

Surnames

Ó and Mac surnames

A man's surname is generally formed by Ó ("descendant"; historically Ua) or Mac ("son") followed by a name or definite noun (often a profession) in the genitive case, e.g. Ó Dónaill (literally "descendant of Dónall") and Mac Siúrtáin (literally "son of Jordan"). When Ó is followed by a vowel, a (lowercase) ⟨h⟩ is attached to the vowel, e.g. Ó hUiginn (O'Higgins) or Ó hAodha (Hughes).

A woman's surname replaces Ó with Ní (reduction of Iníon Uí "descendant's daughter") and Mac with Nic (reduction of Iníon Mhic "son's daughter"). In both cases the following name undergoes lenition, except for when Nic is followed by ⟨c⟩ or ⟨g⟩. Thus the daughter of Seán Ó Dónaill has the surname Ní Dhónaill and the daughter of a Pól Mac Siúrtáin has the surname Nic Shiúrtáin. In Ulster it is common for a woman who adopts her husband name to just use Ní or Nic rather than the forms seen below.

If a woman marries a man, she may choose to take his surname. In this case, Ó is replaced by Bean Uí ("descendant's wife") and Mac by Bean Mhic ("son's wife"). In both cases Bean may be omitted, which results in Uí or Mhic. In both cases the following name undergoes lenition, except for when Mhic is followed by ⟨c⟩ or ⟨g⟩. Thus a woman marrying Seán Ó Dónaill may choose to adopt Bean Uí Dhónaill or Uí Dhónaill as her surname and a woman marrying Pól Mac Siúrtáin may choose to adopt Bean Mhic Siúrtáin or Mhic Siúrtáin as her surname.

Mag, Nig, and Mhig are sometimes used instead of Mac, Nic, and Mhic before a vowel or ⟨fh⟩ (which is silent) followed by a vowel.

Other surnames

Norman surnames formed by de (always lowercase; "of") followed by a name, e.g. de Búrca (Burke), de Paor (Power), or de hÍde (Hide, Hyde).

Some names consist of Mac Giolla ("servant's son") or Ó Maoil ("follower's descendent") followed by a name in the genitive case, e.g. Mac Giolla Phádraig, Ó Maoil Eoin.

Summary of section contents
Irish Anglicisation Example
Base Person Case Meaning
nom. gen./voc.
Ó Man Ó Uí descendent O' or omitted Pól Ó Murchú
Wife Uí Bhean Uí descendent's Mairéad Uí Mhurchú
Woman Ní descendent's daughter Gráinne Ní Mhurchú
Mac Man Mac Mhic son Mc, Mac, M', Mag, or omitted Seán Mac Mathúna
Wife Mhic Bhean Mhic son's Máire Mhic Mhathúna
Woman Nic son's daughter Aoife Nic Mhathúna
de All de of de or omitted Séamus de Búrca

Examples of first names and surnames

Notable examples of first names and surnames

Many Irish people use English (or anglicised) forms of their names in English-language contexts and Irish forms in Irish-language contexts. The Irish names of some people more famous under their English names include:

English/Anglicised name Irish name Notes
Thomas Ashe Tomás Ághas Gaelic League member
Moya Brennan Máire Ní Bhraonáin Irish-language spelling as birth name
Turlough O'Carolan Toirdhealbhach Ó Cearbhalláin Irish harpist and composer
Michael Collins Mícheál Ó Coileáin signed Anglo-Irish Treaty with Irish-language name
Patrick S. Dinneen Pádraig Ua Duinnín was an Irish lexicographer and historian, and a leading figure in the Gaelic revival
Enya (Enya Patricia Brennan) Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin Irish singer, songwriter and musician
Arthur Griffith Art Ó Gríobhtha Gaelic League member; Sinn Féin founder and leader; bilingual signature on Anglo-Irish Treaty
Michael D. Higgins Micheál Ó hUigínn 9th President of Ireland
Douglas Hyde Dubhghlas de hÍde 1st President of Ireland; CnaG founder
Mary McAleese Máire Mhic Ghiolla Íosa née Mary Leneghan/Máire Ní Lionnacháin
Liam Mellows Liam Ó Maoilíosa
Kevin O'Higgins Caoimhín Ó hUiginn Minister for Justice and Vice-President
Seán T. O'Kelly Seán T. Ó Ceallaigh Vice-President, first Tánaiste, President of Ireland
Thomas Francis O'Rahilly Tomás Phroinsias Ó Rathaille scholar of Celtic language and culture; sometimes also "Rahilly" or "Rahily"
Patrick Pearse Pádraig Mac Piarais CnaG; An Claidheamh Soluis editor; St. Enda's School founder
Joseph Plunkett Seosamh Máire Pluincéad Gaelic League member; an Easter Rising leader
Mary Robinson Máire Bean Mhic Róibín (née Máire de Búrca)
Gerard Toal Gearóid Ó Tuathail

Other people are generally better known by their Irish name than by their English name, including the following:

Irish name English/Anglicised form Notes
Dubhaltach Mac Fhirbhisigh Dudley Forbes though neither Dubhaltach or Fibrisigh correspond to the Anglicised forms
Ruaidhrí Ó Flaithbheartaigh Roderick O'Flaherty
Flaithrí Ó Maolconaire Florence Conry (1560–1629, Archbishop of Tuam)
Gráinne Ní Mháille Grace O'Malley many other Irish-language and English-language respellings of her name also exist
Seán Bán Breathnach "White" John Walsh
Séamus Ó Grianna James Greene though Grianna does not correspond etymologically to the English name "Green" or "Greene"
Gráinne Seoige Grace Joyce
Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin Ellen Cullen
Antoine Ó Raifteiri Anthony Raftery
Proinsias De Rossa Frank Ross
Pádraig Harrington Patrick Harrington Golfer; three-time major winner
Pádraig Ó Riain Patrick Ryan
Pádraig Ó Siochfhradha Patrick O'Sugrue
Padraig Ó Síocháin P. A. Sheehan
Pádraig Ó Fiannachta Patrick Finnerty
Lorcán Ua Tuathail Laurence O'Toole
Dara Ó Briain Darragh O'Brien
Doireann Ní Bhriain Doreen O'Brien
Cathal Brugha Charles William St. John Burgess
Éamon de Valera Edward De Valera 2nd Taoiseach (1937–1948, 1951–1954, 1957–1959); 3rd President (1959–1973)
Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh Mairead Mooney "Margaret", another English equivalent of "Mairéad", is rarely used.
This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (May 2010) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

See also

References

  1. Coyle, Colin (17 May 2009). "Surge in deed poll name changes". The Sunday Times. London. Archived from the original on 4 June 2010. Retrieved 5 May 2010.
  2. "3. AN ROLLA", Dáil Debates - Díospóireachtaí Dála, vol. F, Dáil Éireann, 21 January 1919, archived from the original on 19 November 2007, retrieved 5 May 2010
  3. "Limerick City and County Museum". museum.limerick.ie. Signature of Caoimhín Ó hUiginn. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
  4. "Beathnaiséisí: Séan T O'Ceallaigh" (in Irish). Dublin: Áras an Uachtaráin/President of Ireland. Retrieved 5 May 2010.
  5. MacMahon, Michael (1 July 2009). "James Delargy and the Storymen of North Clare". Ennis, County Clare: Clare County Library. Retrieved 5 May 2010. Originally from: MacMahon, Michael (2009). "James Delargy and the Storymen of North Clare". The Other Clare. 33. Shannon, County Clare: Shannon Archaeological & Historical Society: 63–70. ISSN 0332-088X.
  6. Toal, Gerard (29 November 2006). "Faculty Page: Dr Gerard Toal, Virginia Tech". Archived from the original on 27 December 2021. Retrieved 6 May 2010.

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