Irish Genealogical Research

The obscurity of many records, complicated naming traditions, and the anglicisation of Gaelic names has created many unknowns. Moreover, there are few research platforms that include Irish records, making it challenging and expensive for users to access the limited records available.

One of the largest challenges is the lack of records pertaining to Ireland. Tragically, a fire which started just after the outbreak of the Irish Civil War in 1922 destroyed the vast majority of census and probate records, which are some of the most vital tools available to genealogists. Only fragments remain. What’s more, although civil registration records (for instance, the registration of births, marriages, and deaths) survived Ireland’s tumultuous civil war, the records were started much later compared to England or Wales, and therefore this is not as rich a resource as it may first appear. Moreover, the nature of how Ireland is divided administratively can easily leave even the most seasoned researcher feeling confused. Ireland is divided into 26 counties, which are then further divided into baronies, districts, townlands, right down to individual parishes. In many instances, how and where these divisions are made has changed, meaning it can be hard to build a consistent picture over time as what few records that are available can vary widely. If there are difficulties for the researcher looking back into their family’s history in Ireland, there are also difficulties for the researcher trying to trace living family members currently residing in Ireland. Compared to England, for instance, there is very limited access to twentieth and twenty-first century electoral roll records or birth, marriage, and death records meaning it can be increasingly harder to accurately trace someone’s current address.

Despite the inherent difficulties that Irish research presents, none of these are insurmountable. By tackling one challenge at a time, Irish research can become easier to understand and less intimidating, all it takes is persistence and ingenuity on the part of the researcher.

At first glance, the conventions to which many families in Ireland follow when naming their children may be complex  — with so many repeated names in one family, for example — this practice in fact holds ancient and rich significance. The Irish Naming Pattern is more than just a quaint tradition; it is a practical tool for genealogists and family historians. By understanding and applying this naming convention, one can unlock vital clues about ancestors, making it easier to trace family lines back to their roots in Ireland. Whether you are a seasoned genealogist or a curious family historian, recognising and utilising this pattern can significantly enhance your ability to uncover your Irish heritage.

This pattern assigns names to children based on specific family members: the first son is named after the father’s father, the second son after the mother’s father, the third son after the father, and the fourth son after the father’s eldest brother; similarly, the first daughter is named after the mother’s mother, the second daughter after the father’s mother, the third daughter after the mother, and the fourth daughter after the mother’s eldest sister. Understanding this pattern can offer valuable insights into the identities of ancestors, especially when records are sparse.

For instance, if James and Margaret Murphy emigrated to Canada in the mid-nineteenth century and named their children Thomas, Ellen, and William, one could infer that Thomas was named after James’s father, Ellen after Margaret’s mother, and William after Margaret’s father. This consistency across different regions and religious backgrounds in Ireland makes the pattern a reliable method for making educated guesses about unknown ancestors, providing a structured approach to piecing together family history. In essence, the Irish Naming Pattern acts as a key that unlocks hidden connections within a family’s lineage, helping genealogists trace their Irish ancestry with greater accuracy and confidence.

The tradition of naming children after relatives in Irish culture is a profound expression of respect for ancestors and a practical tool for genealogists. It reflects a deep-seated reverence for family heritage and continuity, ensuring that names and, by extension, memories are passed down through generations. For those tracing their genealogy, understanding these naming conventions is invaluable. It not only aids in constructing accurate family trees but also connects the present to the past in a meaningful and culturally significant way. Through these names, the stories and legacies of Irish ancestors live on, providing a bridge between generations.

At Treethorpe, we often find that our research leads us to Ireland, and over the years we have built up a collective wealth of experience when it comes to researching Irish family history and tracing living beneficiaries. If you believe that your own family’s roots may lie in Ireland, you can be rest assured that this will not be considered a barrier to us in delivering our services to you, due to the expertise we have when it comes to Irish genealogy.