The distribution of particular surnames on the island of Ireland lends clues as to the history and movement of its people. Primarily, Irish surnames originate from the Irish language. These names are often preceded by an “O’”, “Mc”, or “Mac” in their anglicized forms. (In their original Irish form “Ó” and “Mac” are used for men’s surnames, “Ní” and “Nic” for unmarried women’s names, and “Uí” and “Mhic” for married women.) Additionally, “de” or “D’” and “Fitz” precede some names of Norman origin. In this map, the prefix Mac is shown as M’.
The origins of Irish surnames is strongly patronymic. This means that the name after the prefix Mac, O, Fitz, or de is a masculine given name. This is comparable to the Germanic suffixes -son, -sen, -sohn, etc. This can be seen in surnames where the former given name is still in common use. Some examples are O’Connor, Fitzpatrick, Fitzsimon, etc. Other names originate from place names, such as the common name Walsh, meaning Welsh. Some names, such as Shaw or Smith, are English names which are occupational or habitational in origin.
Furthermore, this map contains much information not pertaining to the surnames it has listed. In four different colors, Ireland is quartered into its four traditional provinces. In blue is Munster, in yellow is Connacht, in green is Leinster, and in red is Ulster. Within these provinces are the traditional 32 counties of Ireland from Cork in the south to Derry in the north. Principle cities such as Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Derry, Limerick, Athlone, etc. are also shown on the map.
Additionally, reference is made to the Milesians, the mythical forebears of the Irish people. Thus, on the map, the names of the native Irish Catholic population are referred to as the names of “Milesian families” likely in contrast to the surnames of the Anglo-Normans, and perhaps the Ulster Scots (also known as, Scotch-Irish or Scots-Irish).
The inset included with this map portrays the route purportedly taken by the Milesians to arrive in Ireland in the distant past. It is thought that this dubious tale originated with early medieval monks seeking to connect the Irish people with the events of the Bible.
On a personal note, my own surname: Behan, originally “O’Behan”, can be found on the map. Can you find it? Do you recognize any other common Irish surnames on this map?
We hope you enjoyed our May 2024 Map of the Month.
- Title: A Map of Ireland Showing places of origin and principal families up to the XVIII Century
- Date: 1930
- Author: M.T.F. Scully
As with all of our Map of the Month features, if you’d like to learn more about this map or schedule a visit to explore our maps in person, please submit a Map and Geo Service Request. We’ll be sure to get back to you within two business days, but typically sooner.
-Grace Behan, Map and GIS Assistant