Celtic Engagement Rings

Irish Genealogy

Irish Genealogy

Use Your Irish Last Name to Discover More About Your Origins

Your Irish last name can tell you far more than only that your ancestors were from Ireland. It can actually be the key you need to pinpoint the exact area in Ireland where your ancestors lived. Because many Irish families stayed in the same general location for generations, it’s not unusual for a certain surname to only be seen within a radius of a few square miles for hundreds of years. Even when surnames spread out somewhat in Irish genealogical research, they still often stay within one particular county. If you know the area in Ireland to which your surname was common, you can often break through some long-standing genealogical brick walls.

There are several databases online that provide geographical links to many an Irish last name. One of the best-organized of such databases is found at CensusFinder.com. However, this website only catalogues the most common Irish surnames by location. More obscure or less common names may not be included. If this is the case for you, doing a Google search for your surname and including the phrase “Irish county” in your search terms should help you find the geographical information you’re looking for. There are also a wide variety of Irish genealogy message boards available to help you track down your surname’s county of origin.

One more important thing to remember about Irish surnames is that the name itself can give you important clues as to the history of the family. For example, surnames with O’ in front of them (such as O’Malley and O’Connor) mean “grandson of.” So, O’Malley would literally mean “grandson of Malley” and O’Connor would mean “grandson of Connor.”  Surnames with “Mc” in front of them mean “son of.” Knowing this information, combined with being aware of the county of origin of your ancestors, can help you locate some of your most ancient ancestors and give you the clues you need to trace your Irish family into the present.

About the Author

Ready to meet your Irish ancestors? Come to Irish Genealogical, the Internet's top place for all things Irish genealogy!

While you're there, be sure to read our article on a little known source that can help you make big strides in your Irish genealogical research.

A Student's Guide to Irish American Genealogy $36.03 No Synopsis Available

Irish Blessing $7.99 Irish Blessing

Irish Socks $9.99 Truly a cheerful treat for Irish feet?.socks with shamrocks, an Irish flag and the word Irish! Cotton and spandex.

Ethnic Genealogy $112.95 Ethnic Genealogy

Irish Blessing 4 Plate $11.99 Irish Blessing 4 Plate

Irish Dancer Bead $53 Irish Dancer Bead

Born Usa 100% Irish $59 Born Usa 100% Irish

Irish Cup Of Tea Bead $70 Irish Cup Of Tea Bead

Irish Mom Bead $31 Irish Mom Bead

Irish Soup Recipes Magnet $9.99 Irish Soup Recipes Magnet

Irish Cottage Bead $55 Irish Cottage Bead

Irish Stout Recipes Magnet $9.99 Irish Stout Recipes Magnet

Honey With Irish Cream Liqueur $7.99 Honey With Irish Cream Liqueur

Irish Tux Shirt $21.99 Irish Tux Shirt

Irish Blessing 8 Plate $22.99 Irish Blessing 8 Plate

Irish $10 Irish

Irish Sweatshirt $39.99 Let the world know that you're proudly Irish! Printed in the USA. 50% cotton / 50% polyester.

Personalized Irish Angel Ornament $6.99 An adorable angel and as Irish as can be! Resin. Imported.

Irish Attitude License Plate Cover $7.99 Irish Attitude License Plate Cover

Summer Fruit Preserve With Irish Whiskey $7.99 Summer Fruit Preserve With Irish Whiskey

Irish Whiskey Loaf $24.99 Ultra moist and delectable, this favorite Irish treat is filled with raisins, pecans, and real Irish whiskey. 17 oz. USA.

Irish Visor $21.99 What could say Irish more than this! Be noticed by all and have fun doing it! Cotton/polyester. One size fits most.

Genealogy $24.99 Trace your family tree and discover your roots. Fully updated and revised, this bestselling genealogy guide helps you tap into the wealth of global ancestry records and offers proven strategies for both traditional and electronic research. How to Do Everything: Genealogy, Second Edition explores basic rules of genealogical evidence, evaluation of source materials, research methods, and successful techniques for web-based research. You'll get new information on DNA-based records, social networking sites, blogs, podcasts, the latest hardware and software, and much more.: Set up and organize your family tree; Place your ancestors into context and locate essential records of their lives; Trace census, immigration, church, cemetery, military, and property records in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.; Locate and access document repositories, such as libraries and archives and their online catalogs; Conduct effective Internet research; Get past brick walls and dead ends in your research; Research and verify your ancestors using genetic genealogy (DNA); Plan a very successful research trip; Determine the best technology for your research, including portable devices and databases; Share your findings with family members and collaborate with other researchers

Green with Irish $10.99 These green with white shamrock socks show that you're Irish from the tip of your toes to your knees! Organic Cotton and Spandex. One size first most. USA.

Best Irish Folk Songs $10.99 These ever-popular songs include Danny Boy, When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, Black Velvet Band, and 17 other Irish favorites. Canada.

Musical Irish Dancer $29.99 This Irish lass will dance her way into your heart! Dressed in traditional Irish costume the 7? figurine is adorned with shamrocks and plays ?Irish Lullaby?. Please state name up to 24 characters. Poly Resin. Dancer must be screwed in counter clockwise to top of base.

Irish Limp T-Shirt $17.99 This famous Irish blessing captures cheeky Irish wit at its finest! Printed in USA. 100% cotton. Sizes S (35), M (38), L (43), XL (47), 2XL (50), 3XL (54).

Nostalgic Irish Blessing Thermometer $13.99 This distressed Irish designed tin thermometer would look great hanging anywhere. How appropriate that the three lines of the Irish Blessing all have to do with weather - wind, rain, and sun. Imported.

Irish Framed Print $32.99 This iconic Irish cottage print and God?s family blessing will warm your heart. A lovely gift for a special Irish friend or for yourself. Imported. 14 x 7? with polystone resin frame.

Irish Tin Whistle $9.99 Easy to play, this Irish-made tin whistle in the key of D lets you perform traditional Irish tunes instantly, even if you can't read music. Includes instructions and diagrammed sheet music.

Quillen`s Essentials of Genealogy (Paperback) $20.47 More than 63 million Americans claim Irish or British ancestry, over 22% of our population. And many of those 63 million are searching for their ancestral roots. Most won`t go back many generations before they have to "leap across the pond" in search of their ancestors, and Vol. V in Quillen`s Essentials of Genealogy helps budding genealogists do just that. Topics addressed in the book include: -- Where to find Irish and British records -- How to access these records -- How to use the Internet to help you in your search -- Necessary preparations for a trip abroad to do research in these countries -- Pitfalls and issues in obtaining such records -- Research tips specifically geared for England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales

Irish Diplomacy Plaque $14.99 Our handmade ceramic plaque perfectly captures the mischievous wit of the Irish. USA. 3 3/4 x 5 3/4.

Irish T-Shirt $14.99 Let the world know that you're proudly Irish! Printed in the USA. 50% cotton / 50% polyester.

Irish Flag Umbrella $29.99 What is needed more in the Spring but an umbrella! And this one shows your Irish pride. Auto open, 32? length, 39? open.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 6th, 2010 at 12:35 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.