The history of Irish surnames is rich and fascinating. Traditionally, the Irish did not use surnames as we know them today. Instead, they used a system called patronymics, where a person's name was based on their father's name. For example, if a man named Sean had a son named Liam, Liam would be known as Liam MacSean (meaning son of Sean). This system was common among the Gaelic-speaking population.
The introduction of surnames in Ireland can be traced back to the 11th and 12th centuries when the English invaded and began to exert control over the island. Under English influence, many Irish families adopted fixed hereditary surnames, often based on their Gaelic patronymics. These surnames were anglicized versions of the original Gaelic names.
The history of Irish surnames is also intertwined with the history of the diaspora. As a result of the Great Famine in the mid-19th century and subsequent emigration, many Irish people settled in other countries, particularly the United States. It was during this time that some Irish surnames became more widely recognized and associated with Irish descent.
Today, Irish surnames are diverse and varied, reflecting the complex history of the island. They provide a link to ancestral heritage and continue to be cherished by individuals of Irish descent worldwide.
I'm Bóru Zucca, 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 Zucca 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