Irish surnames have a rich and complex history that can be traced back to ancient times. The use of surnames in Ireland began with the introduction of the Gaelic system of patronymics, where a person's surname was derived from their father's name. For example, Mac (son of) or O' (grandson of) were common prefixes used. These surnames helped to identify a person's lineage and tribal affiliations.
During the English conquest of Ireland in the 16th and 17th centuries, many Gaelic traditions were suppressed, including the use of Gaelic surnames. As a result, many Irish families anglicized their names, adopting English surnames to assimilate into English society. This led to the creation of new surnames or changes in spelling, making it difficult to trace some Irish lineages.
The Great Famine of the mid-19th century and subsequent emigration had a profound impact on Irish surnames. Many Irish families left their homeland, especially for the United States and other English-speaking countries. As they settled in their new homes, some Irish surnames were altered due to language differences, mispronunciations, or simply personal preference.
Today, Irish surnames are diverse and often reflect the history, geography, and occupation of the family. Some common Irish surnames include Murphy, Kelly, O'Sullivan, and Walsh. These surnames continue to hold a significant place in Irish identity and heritage, serving as a link to the past and a connection to Irish roots.
I'm Bóru Spada, the Family Crest Bear and a custodian of Irish heritage who oversees a grand and expansive library of Irish names. My library is a treasure of family history, cataloguing thousands of surnames, including a special collection of over 2,500 names from Irish and Celtic origins.
We invite you to search this extraordinary library, a realm where each name tells a story. Embark on an engaging journey to uncover your family name hidden within these vast archives. In a distinctive and personalized offering, Bóru Spada allows you to immortalise your family's name and crest on his t-shirt, transforming it into a proud emblem of your family history.
Suitable for children from 36 months, Bóru, the Family Crest Bear is a large charming Irish teddy bear with tweed trousers, a matching flat cap and his t-shirt is personalized with your own family crest. Made with all new synthetic materials he sits 30cm / 12 in. tall (38cm / 15 in. from top to toes), has soft brown fur and features the Paddy Pals motif on his pad. Paddy Pals are loved by both children and adults with their traditional Irish attire and welcoming smile. The best things in life are the people we love, the places we have been and the memories we have made along the way.
Dispatched from County Down, Northern Ireland, Paddy Pals bears are delivered worldwide for FREE!
Standard Free Shipping - Airmail. Delivered in approx. 7-9 working days (Faster
shipping options also available when checking out).
In the unlikely event you are not satisfied with your purchase we offer a 30 days full money back guarantee.
| Materials | Polyester fiberfill. Polyurethane foam |
|---|---|
| Colour | Brown |
| Age | Suitable for children from 36 months |
| Cleaning | Hand wash only |
| Conformity | European Standard EN71 |
|---|---|
| EAN | 5055374500149 |
| Weight | 0.3kg (0.7lbs) |
| Height | 30cm (11.8 inches) |
Gaeilge
English