McDonough to Donachy?

Looking for Scottish Ancestors

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Hugo
Posts: 135
Joined: Fri Mar 28, 2008 3:36 pm
Location: Ayrshire, Scotland

McDonough to Donachy?

Post by Hugo » Tue Feb 03, 2009 3:51 pm

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.
Hugo

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

Post by StewL » Wed Feb 04, 2009 4:37 am

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. :D
Stewie

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