Different names used interchangeably
The following may be instanced:—
Males | |
Alexander | Alaster, Sandy. |
Edward | Edmond. |
Florence | Finian. |
Gerald | Garrett, Garret, Gerard. |
Owen | Eugene. |
Hugh | Hubert. |
Moses | Aidan. |
Peter | Pierce. |
Ulysses | Ulick. |
Connor | Cornelius. |
Females | |
Bridget | Bedelia, Delia, Beesy. |
Gobinet | Abigail, Deborah. |
Johanna, Joanna | Jane. |
Julia | Judith. |
Julia | Johanna. |
Winifred | Unity, Una, Uny. |
An application was recently made to me for the correction of the age of an “Aidan Dillon” in a death entry. On investigation it transpired that his birth, which occurred in Camolin District (Gorey Union), was registered under the name “Moses Dillon.”
Not only are the names “Gobinet” and “Abigail” used interchangeably, but their contractions, “Gubbie” and “Abbie” or “Abby,” are similarly used.
In the certificate of a marriage in Darrynane District (Caherciveen Union), the bride’s name was given as “Gubbie” in the body of the record, while her signature appeared as “Abbie.” The Registrar reported—
“I find that ‘Gubbie’ is really a contraction of ‘Gobinet,’ and ‘Abbie’ a name in itself; but the custom among the people here appears to be to use the names ‘Gubbie,’ ‘Abbie,’ and ‘Webbie’ as if they were different forms of the same name.”
In Emlagh District, in the same Union, the forms “Gubby” and “Deborah” or “Debbie” have been found to be used interchangeably.
The Superintendent Registrar of Castlecomer Union reports—
“the people of the County Kilkenny and some other places consider the names ‘Johanna,’ ‘Judith,’ and ‘Julia’ to be the same.”