The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names of Ireland contains more than 3,800 entries covering the majority of family names that are established and current in Ireland, both in the Republic and in Northern Ireland. It establishes reliable and accurate explanations of historical origins (including etymologies) and provides variant spellings for each name as well as its geographical distribution, and, where relevant, genealogical and bibliographical notes for family names that have more than 100 bearers in the 1911 census of Ireland. Of particular value are the lists of early bearers of family names, extracted from sources ranging from the medieval period to the nineteenth century, providing for the first time, the evidence on which many surname explanations are based, as well as interesting personal names, locations and often occupations of potential family forbears. This unique Dictionary will be of the greatest interest not only to those interested in Irish history, students of the Irish language, genealogists, and geneticists, but also to the general public, both in Ireland and in the Irish diaspora in North America, Australia, and elsewhere.

To appreciate the value of the concept of the townland the best course for us is to examine in detail every aspect of one or more of them in terms of our own existence. In local history studies we concentrate on the community that has lived in the townland. This publication will introduce the reader to the documentary sources that survive in archivies and explain how they can be related to the traditions, the artefacts and the oral evidence. It will provide a framework plus numerous worked examples for those with an interest in studying the townland where their ancestors lived. Set as a basis upon which further research could be undertaken this important study begins by choosing eight townlands across Ulster providing a variety of concepts, ideas and observations which will interest the family and local historian alike. Indeed the editors in their introduction observe, that just as local historians, not just those with a special interest in local and family hsitory, to appreciate the significance of the townland in Irish history. The townlands covered in this study include: Forttown, Co. Antrim; Scolboa, Co. Antrim; Ballymagee, Co. Down; Cranfield, Co. Down; Drumskinny 3 & Montiaghroe, Co. Fermanagh; Gallan, Co. Tyrone; Holly-hill, Co. Tyrone; and Owenreagh, Co. Londonderry. In casting their net wide the contributors have managed to build up a picture of townlands across the country and have ensured that this book is representative of the whole of Ulster and not any single part or even merely the eight townlands under study.

An A-to-Z genealogy reference for those who want to research their family trees. Part encyclopedia, part dictionary, part almanac, this is a practical, easy-to-use reference, filled with thousands of fact-filled A-to-Z entries. You’ll find: *definitions of genealogy terms *timelines *details of available archives and websites *advice on research methods *explanations of genealogical peculiarities and puzzles that would test the knowledge of even veteran researchers With an emphasis on families with ancestors from Great Britain, this book includes many intriguing historical tidbits, such as the mechanics of the first census. For those interested in family, local, and social history, it’s both a useful tool and an enjoyable compendium.