Local Variations in Spelling and Form

Robert E. Matheson

Varieties and Synonymes of Surnames and Christian Names in Ireland

1901

The fact that names have a tendency to assume different forms in different localities is well known. The following may be cited as examples:—

The name MacAlshinder [synonyme for Alexander], which is the form used in Larne District, is found in the following forms in other districts:—

Elchinder,	in	Ballymoney District.
Elshander,	„	Ballylesson District [Lisburn Union].
Elshinder,	„	Lisburn Union.
Kalshander,	„	Dromore District [Banbridge Union].
M‘Calshender,	„	Ballymena Union.
M‘Calshinder,	„	Banbridge Union.
M‘Elshender,	„	Doagh [Antrim Union].
M‘Elshunder,	„	Ballymoney Union.
M‘Kelshenter,	„	Tanderagee District [Banbridge Union].

The names Archibald (or Archbold) and Aspel are found to be used synonymously in Rathcoole District (Celbridge Union). The following varieties have also been met with:—

Aspill,	in	Balrothery Union.
Esbal,	„	Portrush District.
Esbald,	„	Eglinton District [Londonderry Union].
Esbel,	„	Limavady District.
Esbil,	„	Coleraine District.
Esble,	„	Ballymoney District.

Again, the name “Ferguson,” in addition to several variations in spelling, is found under the following forms:—

Faraday,	in	Lusk District.
Fargy,	„	do. do.
Fergie, Forgie,	„	Greyabbey District [N.T. Ards Union].
Forgay,	„	Ballymoney Union.
Forgey,	„	Portrush and Warrenpoint Districts.
Hergusson,	„	Lusk District.
Vargis	„	Bannow District [Wexford Union].
Vargus,	„	Broadway District [Wexford Union].

The name “Quigley” in Ferns District (Enniscorthy Union) and in Fethard No. 2 District (New Ross Union) has become “Cogley.” In Monaghan Union it has assumed the form “Kegley,” and in Belfast No. 6 District it has been found as “Twigley.” It is worthy of note in connection with the last variety that “Quigg” and “Twigg” are reported by the Registrar of Belfast No. 7 District to be different forms of the same name.

Local pronunciation often affects the spelling of names. The Registrar of Clonavaddy District (Dungannon Union) has drawn attention to the fact that a number of people in his District spell their name “Hoins,” and not “Hynes,” the more usual form.