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Pete

I'm just someone who enjoys knowing a little about my local area, and helping others to learn about theirs too.

If you'd like to contribute to this website, please get in touch.

The McCann Family Name: An Irish Historical Perspective

The McCann surname, with its roots deep in the history of Ireland, forms an important part of the Gaelic culture and tradition. This common Irish surname, like most others of Gaelic origin, is patronymic. It originally was “Mac Cana,” which signifies being the ‘son of Cana.’ The primary sept of the family, carrying the McCann surname, settled...

The History of the Reid Family Name

The Reid surname has a complex origin, with roots in various parts of the British Isles, including Ireland. It is derived from the old English term “read,” meaning “red,” often used as a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. Etymology and Meaning The name Reid, primarily of Scottish and English origin, signifies red and was...

Tracing the Roots of the Magee Surname in Irish History

The surname Magee is rooted in the deep and rich historical tapestry of Ireland. The name evolved from the Gaelic “Mac Aodh,” which translates to “son of Aodh” or “son of Hugh.” Aodh was a popular first name in early Ireland, embodying the elements of fire and passion. Etymology and Meaning The name Magee represents the patronymic...

The History of the McDonald Family Name

The surname McDonald originates from the Gaelic name “Mac Dhomhnuill,” which was first borne by families in Scotland before being brought to Ireland by settlers and mercenaries. Etymology and Meaning “Mac Dhomhnuill” translates to “son of Donald” in English. The name “Donald” itself derives from the Gaelic words...

The History of the Ward Family Name

The Ward surname, known in Irish as “Mac an Bháird,” is of Gaelic origin. It was initially used as an occupational surname, given to those who worked as bards or poets within Gaelic society. Etymology and Meaning The surname Ward comes from the Irish Gaelic “Mac an Bháird,” which means “son of the bard.” A bard was a professional...

The History of the O’Keefe Family Name

The O’Keefe surname is of Irish origin. In Irish, the name is spelled “Ó Caoimh,” which indicates a direct descent from a man named Caoimh. The clan was known for its nobility and power and made significant contributions to the history and culture of Ireland. Etymology and Meaning The surname O’Keefe is derived from the Gaelic “Ó...

Etched in Gaelic: The Irish History of the Sheehan Surname

The Sheehan surname is unmistakably Irish, originating from the native Gaelic clan Ó Síodhacháin, which was later Anglicised to its current form. It is one of the more common Irish surnames and has a long-standing presence in the country’s history. Etymology and Meaning The Sheehan surname is derived from the Gaelic “Síodhacháin,” which is a...