The Book of Irish Families, Great & Small (Third Edition, Expanded) [Paperback]

Michael C. O'Laughlin (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0940134098 | ISBN-13: 978-0940134096 | Publication Date: December 1, 2002

The Worlds Largest Collection in Print
New third edition now includes 28 volume index to the Irish Families series
The Best and Final Edition.

Over 45,000 entries total:

700 illustrated coats of arms
Origins & Locations
Includes families settled from Scotland, England, etc...
Ancient Maps and illustrations
All 32 counties of Ireland and Northern Ireland (Ulster).
396 full size pages.

There is no other like this one ! A magnificent world class illustration of Irish Family History, this book is the culmination of 4 decades of research by the I.G.F.. Hundreds of families from each county are given in Part One with family history. Over 45,000 family names are given in specific counties or Poor Law Unions.
This is the new third edition (2003), which includes select family histories. For the first time ever, the index for the first 28 volumes in the Irish Families set is also included. The famous and large families like Murphy, Kelly, Sullivan, O'Brien, Ryan, Kennedy, Walsh, Daugherty and Donahue are of course in this book, as are thousands more, including rarely found families that settled in Ireland from England, Scotland, Wales, and the continent. Among the hundreds of settler names are those of Betagh; Coppinger; Trench; Coplan; Hall; Green; Hunter; McKenzie; Baker; Howell; Bellew and many more.

Families from England
Many English families have settled in Ireland from the 12th century onwards. Often, the native Irish were forced to "translate" their names into English sounding ones. The 50 most numerous names from England in 1853 are given, along with hundreds of family history extracts on specific families like Smith; Jones; Williams and Taylor.

Families from Scotland
Due to the proximity of the north of Ireland and the south of Scotland, migration between the two countries has been constant. A great settlement of Scottish families took place in the 17th century during the plantation of Ulster by the British Crown. Later, some of these 'planter' families came to America, becoming known as the Scotch Irish or Scots Irish. The 50 most numerous names of Scotland are given, along with hundreds of family histories, including families like McDonald; Brown; Thomson and Robertson.

Families from the German Palatinate

Families came to Ireland in the 18th century from the Palatinate of the Rhine. In 1709 some 7,000 arrived in England and many settled in Co. Limerick, Ireland and America. Some of these are families like Bowen, Baker; Delmege and Pyper.

Danish or Viking Families

The Danes (Lochlainders, Ostmen or Vikings), had colonies in Ireland for centuries. Centered in Dublin and Meath (in Fingall), and in Wexford, Waterford, Cork and Limerick, settling primarily in the coastal counties of Ireland from the 8th century on. These Viking families include: Betagh; Coppinger; Palmer; Plunket and Skiddy, among many others given in this work.

Jewish Families in Ireland

Many Russian and Polish Jews settled on the south side of Dublin city from the late 1800's. These included the families of Coplan, Fridberg, Greenberg, Weiner, Maisell and many others given in this work.

Welsh Families in Ireland

Families by the name of "Walsh" (in Irish, Brannagh or Breathnach), meaning a Briton or Welshman, are found early in Cork, Dublin, Kerry, Killarney, Tipperary, Wexford, Waterford and Galway. Some of these families were: Howell, Lawless, Lillis, Lynagh and Rossiter. Many are included in this work

Anglo Norman Families in Ireland

The Anglo Norman invasions of the 12th century brought many new families to Ireland. Some took on Irish names. Anglo Norman families in Ireland include: Barry; Bellew; Bermingham; Burke; Carew and Clare, among hundreds of others given in this book along with family history notes.

Huguenot Families in Ireland

French and Fleming Huguenot families settled in the 17th century in Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Cork, and Lisburn, etc... They were noted for making linen, cloth and lace. Some of these families were those of Barre; Perrin; Hazard; Hassard; Lefanu; Trench and many others as given in this work.

'Irish Families' Contains many family names left out of other popular works, including those of Edward MacLysaght, Patrick Woulfe and John O'Hart. The best single book for finding any Irish family surname, there are more names, arms, and locations here than in any other book . Truly a 'must have' resource for finding numerous and scarce names in Ireland.Format of this Book

Entries on family names are arranged in the following order:

(1) When available, the coat of arms linked to the name appears above the name which is in bold type. All arms shown in this volume were actually used by families in Ireland, acknowledged by recognized authorities.

(2) Beneath the name is the source from which the arms are taken.

(3) Occasionally we list a Gaelic or more ancient form of the name on the next line in regular type. (note we have not punctuated these). We suggest those interested in the gaelic consult Irish Names and Surnames by the Rev. P. Woulfe. The IGF edition of that work contains a new surname index, which proves most helpful to researchers.

(4) The next line, in italics, gives variant spellings of the name as available.

(5) The history associated with the name

The amount of information found will vary with each name. Please consult all possible spellings of the name. More information may appear in other volumes to this Irish Families set. Names not covered here will appear in other volumes of our Irish Families, great & small series. The surname index to this first volume , (and to volumes 2 through 28), is found in part III of this book. The researcher should consult that index as well as the location index found in part II of this book.

The location index (see part II) represents extracts taken from larger, more detailed listings found in the Master Book of Irish Surnames. Space limitations do not allow reprinting all the index listings found in that book. In fact, there are over 50,000 listings from that book which we did not have room for at all! We have included as many surnames as possible to give hope to Irish family researchers. These listings may prove particularly helpful for those with less common names. The student of Irish family names would do well to consult that work independently.

Maps and Illustrations

Province Map

showing Munster; Leinster; Connacht; Meath;

Oriel; Aileach; and Ulster.

Key to Terms

Including useful terms and abbreviations used.

Ancient Map

Showing territorial divisions upon the coming of the Vikings to Ireland. Includes Tirconnell; Tirowen; Uladh; Uriel; Brefney; Hy Fiachrach; Hy Many; West Meath; East Meath; Offelan; Fine Gall; Offaly; Omurethy; Leix; Ormond; Thomond; Desmond; Decies; and Hy Kinshelagh.

13th Century Norman Map

Showing unconquered areas, and areas of Norman Rule & influence.

Administrative Divisions

Listing the major territorial divisions of Ireland, including: The Province; The County; The Barony; The Parish; The Townland; and Poor Law Unions.

Ireland, showing railways map

Showing railway routes in Ireland on the map.

Source List

List of helpful resources.

Key to Poor Law Unions and registrars dist.

A Listing of the Unions along with registrars districts that they contained.

Family Research sources and tips

Tips for the family researcher.

Barony Map

Showing 325 baronies of Ireland on the map by county. The barony was used an a unit in 19th century land valuations.

Ireland Map

Written Chart naming Families settling in Ireland

Showing families from other nations known to have settled in Ireland.

Ireland upon coming of the Vikings.

Showing the divisions of Thomond; Desmond; Decies; Ossory; Hy Kinshelagh; Ormond; Hy Many; Offaly; Leix; Omurethy; Offelan; Fine Gall; Brefney; Hy Fiachrach; Tirconnell; Tirowen; Uladh; and Uriel.

A One of A Kind Resource

This is the number one collection of Irish Families ever to appear in print. This Master volume alone, exceeds any other single book in the field. It is a one of a kind beauty - never equalled. There are more Irish Family names, spellings, locations, arms and sources here than in any other single book ever published.

The Final Word This book contains information on families in all 32 counties of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Later volumes in this series focus on individual counties, and contain additional information, not found in this volume.

New Third Edition. Available only with Thread sewn soft binding. 396 pages. maps, resource list for family research. Family Histories. Additionally includes Master Index to the Irish Families series. Full 8 1/2 x 11 in size.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"No book is more likely to contain your Irish family name than this one" -- Times-Picayune. January 2003. ' Start your 20003 Research.....'

"One of the definitive works on the origin of Irish Surnames" - review by Tamie Dehler. -- Terre-Haute Tribune-Star Newspaper genealogy column 12/30/02

Do not overlook. Use volume one as a starting point for your Irish surname research. -Gibson -- Lawton Constitution, January 4. 2003

First Rate and enthusiastically recommended reference for any dedicated genealogist or aspiring family historian. -- Wisconsin Bookwatch, February 2003

It is an amazing reference source This single volume contains more Irish family names, locations and sources than any other -- The Advocate (+ various) by Damon Veach. January 5, 2003

It is an amazing reference source. The master record to the largest set ever to appear in print. -D. Veach -- Louisiana Ancestors, Sunday Magazine, January 2003

The amount of information in this index is incredible...numerous maps, extensive illustration of arms, source list, addresses, location guide -- Collin County Genealogical Society. July 2003. -Jeanne Spain

The amount of information is incredible, here is your chance to find if your family was from Ireland -- Collin Chronicles, Collin County Genealogical Society.v24 #1 2003-2004

From the Publisher

The is the Master Volume to the Irish Families project, with family histories from every county in Ireland and Northern Ireland. In addition to the family histories, this third edition now also includes the master index to the entire 28 volume Irish Families series. Later volumes in the series continue the research begun in this volume, on a county by county basis. Includes Coats of Arms, Origins, Sources and locations.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 396 pages
• Publisher: Irish Genealogical Foundation (December 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0940134098
• ISBN-13: 978-0940134096
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,120,172 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #45 in Books > Education & Reference > Dictionaries & Thesauruses > Foreign Language > Gaelic

More About the Author

A one of a kind resource, Mike publishes 60 books by 10 authors. He has authored 12 hardbound books; 30 Irish guides,and hundreds of articles. Today, he hosts the first weekly podcast on Irish Family History at www.Irishroots.com

The founder of the Irish Roots Cafe, he also publishes great works of history, including 'The Annals of Ireland by the Four Masters'; and Keatings 'History of Ireland'.

President of the Irish Genealogical Foundation and editor of "Irish Families" for 30 years, Mike is the worlds most published author in his field.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

74 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Currently the best book of it's genre available!!!, May 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Book of Irish Families: Great & Small, Second Edition (Hardcover)

After evaluating the Book of Irish Families I conclude this is currently the best work of it's genre available. My claim to the legitimate training and credential of a professional researcher includes a graduate degree in History. A researcher's mandate is to publish original material versus rehashing existing efforts. Professional genealogists fall into this catagory. Measured according to this criteria, O'Laughlin's book clearly meets the standard. The book contains several hundred coats of arms not found elsewhere by this researcher. Many of these were officially sanctioned in the seventeenth century. The book also contains a similar number of surnames not found elsewhere.

As mentioned by previous reviewers, O'Laughlin's work depicts the coats of arms in black and white. Also, some of the drawings do appear amateurish. However, the serious researcher will discover this accurately reflects the original source material.

One measure of a researcher is the influence their efforts have on their chosen field of study. All strive for "seminal" works that stimulate others to research, confirm, deny or modify the results. In other words, they pave the ground so others may follow. O'Laughlin has retained his rightful place in this rare class of researchers. Internationally known and respected, he has written and published several seminal Irish genealogy studies. For over twenty years, his contributions to Irish studies have consistently broken new ground.

To be sure, O'Laughlin's volume does not have the "glitz and glamour" of some rival publications. For example, some competitors have published glossy volumes that include color pictures of the coats of arms. There is nothing wrong with this. Unfortunately, when subjected to critical evaluation, one sadly concludes that some of O'Laughlin's rivals have allowed a "marketing gimmick" to triumph over "research."

I confess to being very amused by some evaluations of O'Laughlin's work posted by some rival reviewers. I would advise one particular reviewer to regain their objectivity and consider the merit's of the book as a whole. For example, this rival reviewer may have a legitimate point about prominent Jewish names being left out. I also agree that an over reliance on older texts can raise a legitimate "red flag." However, as an old college math professor of mine once said, "If the value of Pi has not changed in centuries, who cares how old a reference book you copy it from?" My point is, if the family name origins and coat of arms are accurate, that is all that matters. Finally, I agree with my rival that serious researchers need a variety of resources from which to draw. However, many amateurs want a "one size fit all" solution. Fortunately, O'Laughlin's latest work meets the requirements for both audiences.

Budding and experienced researchers take note. One wonders is a future volume on prominent Jewish-Irish names would not be helpful in redressing one of the above mentioned perceived oversights.

For the reviewer from Massachusetts, some professional suggestions. A prominent aspect of reviewing is to :

1) Place 2) Grant 3) Criticize

The rival reviewer mentioned above provided lucid reasons why they felt the recent O'Laughlin offering was lacking. Another professional can respect the reviewers opinion, even if they disagree. However, to descend, or here perhaps to remain at a "tabloid" level like the Massachusetts author's review is degrading. To my New England colleague I offer the following advice. Have, or obtain, some intellectual underpinning for your opinion. The Massachusetts reviewer provides no analysis to support their conclusion. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, absent a reasoned argument, no serious researcher, amateur or professional, will pay any attention to you.

34 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Too Much Equals Too Little, March 2, 2002

By 

AC (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Book of Irish Families: Great & Small, Second Edition (Hardcover)

I had high hopes for this book when I ordered it along with the author's books for Waterford and Cork. I was disappointed with all of them. In trying to create such an all-encompassing book, the author has published a work that fails to provide much information on any particular family. And he manages to leave out valuable information. For example, in his book "Families of County Cork" he gives a very short paragraph about the Sherlock family being there, but fails to mention in this "Irish Families" book that the family is found in Cork, even though the Cork book was published first.

The three books by the author that I purchased are probably good for those who are just starting out in tracing their families and do not know where to begin. It could probably help those who have struggled to find any info on their families. However, if you have done even a little research on your own and narrowed your focus to a particular part of Ireland, this book will not provide you much more if at all.

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing but still useful, April 28, 1999

By 

Eddie Geoghegan (Ireland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Book of Irish Families: Great & Small, Second Edition (Hardcover)

I have to say that I found this book a bit of a disappointment especially having read the author's comment "if you were to purchase just one book on Irish Families, I have written this work for you". In fact if this the only book you consult on Irish families you will be most upset. The book makes the mistake of trying to reinvent the wheel by cataloging families from old data sources. This has already been done, much better, by several other authors. For the most prominent families, this publication adds nothing to the existing knowledge base. It's attempt to include rare names is honorable, but the amount of information provided is scant, at best. For example, "The family of Mulvey is traditionally linked to Co. Leitrim and it has remained so in modern times" hardly does justice to this once great sept. The entries are also inconsistent, for some the Irish form of the name is included and for others it is not. I would have expected all of the old Gaelic names to have their Irish form included. The coats of arms are a real let down, not only are they in monochrome (colour is the essence of heraldry), but the quality of reproduction is poor. It would have been better to leave them out altogether. There are also quite a few errors and omissions (though the author does admit this at the start). One that stuck me was the list of Jewish-Irish names which omits the most famous of all, Briscoe. A look at the entry for Briscoe shows no mention of the family's Jewish heritage, despite the fact that at least members of the family have had high political profiles in Dublin. The book claims Flaherty and Laverty as the same name and while this is true in terms of their root word origin in Irish, the names are racially quite distinct. In another case the book fails to link the two names Haughey and Haffey. I found the book too heavily reliant on "Keating's History", which while excellent, is far from the only source available. Another off-putting aspect is the fact that the names are not listed in proper alphabetical order and names beginning with "B" crop up among the "A's" and so on. On the plus side, the book does include a lot of information and it is not expensive as such publications go. In short, this is not a book for one-name researchers but should be on the shelves of all with a general interest in Irish names.