Could my Donachy ancestors in Ayrshire have changed their name from McDonough when they left Ireland about 1840?
I cannot remember where I read that this was quite possible.
McDonough to Donachy?
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Hugo
- Posts: 135
- Joined: Fri Mar 28, 2008 3:36 pm
- Location: Ayrshire, Scotland
McDonough to Donachy?
Hugo
The more you know, the more you know how little you know. (My science teacher)
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The more you know, the more you know how little you know. (My science teacher)
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StewL
- Posts: 1396
- Joined: Sat Dec 11, 2004 12:59 am
- Location: Perth Western Australia
Hi Hugo
It is more than possible that they changed their name. Apart from the fact that spelling of names back then was of little importance, and also many were illiterate too. Some Irish families "changed" their names to avoid the discrimination that was about towards the Irish in Scotland.
One way you might find out more is through census information, looking through 1841. 1851, 1861 etc, and any birth/marriages from 1855 statutory registration. Using known children as a guide to make sure you have the right families.
Checking IGI for McDonough in Ayr only brings up a small number, though there are more Donachy's some from before 1840.
Hope this helps.
It is more than possible that they changed their name. Apart from the fact that spelling of names back then was of little importance, and also many were illiterate too. Some Irish families "changed" their names to avoid the discrimination that was about towards the Irish in Scotland.
One way you might find out more is through census information, looking through 1841. 1851, 1861 etc, and any birth/marriages from 1855 statutory registration. Using known children as a guide to make sure you have the right families.
Checking IGI for McDonough in Ayr only brings up a small number, though there are more Donachy's some from before 1840.
Hope this helps.
Stewie
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Searching for: Anderson, Balks, Barton, Courtney, Davidson, Downie, Dunlop, Edward, Flucker, Galloway, Graham, Guthrie, Higgins, Laurie, Mathieson, McLean, McLuckie, Miln, Nielson, Payne, Phillips, Porterfield, Stewart, Watson