The Revival of Irish Names

We publish to-day the first of the lists of Irish baptismal names sent us in response to the offer of a prize of three guineas which appeared in the Fireside some time ago. When we started the project, we had no idea that it would have been taken up with anything like the positive enthusiasm which it elicited. The enormous number of lists forwarded, the numerous letters which reached us from time to time regarding the proposed revival, and the extraordinary amount of attention attracted by the movement generally, all convinced us that it only needed a little aid from the Irish people to insure its success. For this aid we look confidently, not alone amongst our own people at home, but to wherever an Irishman has made his home.

The committee of Irish scholars who were kind enough to take charge of the various lists for consideration, had no idea of the enormity of the work it entailed until they were fairly face to face with the task. Had it been otherwise the publication of the lists would have been carried out long since. In selecting the list compiled by Mr. Fahy as that most deserving of the prize, the judges felt somewhat embarrassed by the large number of those whose lists ran very closely to his. Some of them, in fact, were even longer than that prepared by Mr. Fahy, but euphony and adaptability to modern tastes being considered, they had to be placed lower down in the list of competitors They have thought it only just to offer a special word of commendation to Mr. J. Rogers, of London; Mr. Dermod O’Meagher, of Dublin; Mr. J. H. Lloyd, of Dublin; and Mr. Hugh O’Donnell, of Leixlip.

We shall publish in our next two, or, if necessary three issues, further lists containing any euphonious names supplied by the other competitors and omitted by Mr. Fahy.

We wish also to direct the attention of our readers to the second competition, of which particulars will be found in the last page of this issue.

THE PRIZE LIST OF IRISH BAPTISMAL NAMES, COMPILED ON BEHALF OF THE SOUTHWARK LITERARY CLUB

BY

F. A. FAHY, VICE-PRESIDENT.

COMPILER’S INTRODUCTION

The subject, which has been taken up by the Fireside, is a highly interesting one, embracing as it does the consideration of the origin and meaning of the names most in use by our Pagan and Christian forefathers, of the enforcement of family names by King Brian Boriohme, and the selection from the multitude of ancient names of those which were handed down as Christian patronymics. A highly enjoyable paper might be written on the subject showing how the Irish, like other nations, exhibit the characteristics of their race in their choice of names.

I, however, confine myself to a few remarks on the list I forward. My principal authorities were as follows:—

• (1) The Four Masters
• (2) Various Irish histories, MacGeoghegan’s, &c, drawn from that source.
• (3) Several Genealogical Translations by O’Donovan.
• (4) A Valuable Essay on Irish Names, by O’Donovan, prefaced to his “Topographical Poems of O’Hearin.”
• (5) Curious Collections in O’Hart’s “Pedigrees” and “Landed Gentry when Cromwell came to Ireland.”
• (6) Notes made at various times from Taylor, Joyce, &c.

A host of names have been omitted—(1) Those of which only few instances occurred; (2) those which were unharmonious in sound or low in meaning; (3) a number of names commencing with “cu” (a hound or warrior), Giolla (a servant), Maol (a follower); (4) and a number of names of saints, euphonious enough, but which did not appear to have been adopted as Christian names. I might remark that a large proportion of formidable looking Pagan names might be easily made suitable by the softening of the guttural “h”.

The meanings of names, instances of their use where rare, the various forms they have assumed, and the curious corruptions made in them, are shown where clearly ascertained; and the pronunciation is given where the spelling of the name does not sufficiently indicate it.

Norman names, such as Gerald, Redmond, &c., where given are so indicated, and are not meant to be included, excepting for reference.

Several old baptismal names have been omitted, for minor reasons, such as their prevalence at present as surnames (such as Kelly, Mullony, Dea), or their likelihood of being confounded with English words of similar sound, e.g. Coon (Cunn).

I have but few remarks to make on the best method of reviving and perpetuating these old Celtic names. The revival of the Irish as a spoken language would perhaps do more in that direction than all other means together, as it would reveal to everybody the intrinsic beauty of those names. Among the possible things might be attempted—

• (1) The restoration to their original Celtic form of such abortions as Jeremiah, Darby, Barney, Dionysius, Cornelius, Luke, Panastasia, &c.
• (2) The adoption of a second and Celtic name at confirmation period by the youth of both sexes.
• (3) The aid of the clergy of all denominations in giving at baptism Celtic names, instead of as at present, giving a Latin form to Celtic names, e.g. Lucius, Constantine.

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