I'm not sure I understand the O meaning "grandson". Wouldn't that mean that ALL the men would be O'Sullivans and the women would ALL be Sullivans? Thanks! Phil Brown (a Harrington) ---- Lisa O <ohlisao@att.net> wrote: ============= Thanks Seamus, Not sure I explained my question well enough. John O'Sullivan is listed as such in most records, but he signed himself just Sullivan on the census, which is the first time we'd seen the name without the O'. The O was integral to the family in the US and never dropped, and from all previous accounts had always been 'attached'. That's why we were surprised I guess. Maybe it had more to do with 'fitting in', or rather, being less conspicuous during the unrest in Ireland?? And yes, the family is/were strong Catholics. I do see your point though, as I have used more than one name :) Lisa -----Original Message----- From: beara-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:beara-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of seamus O'More Sent: Thursday, July 16, 2009 7:32 PM To: beara@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [BEARA] O'Sullivan or Sullivan? Lisa, "O" means grandson. The O'Sullivan's were strong Catholic's in Co. Cork and using the "O" meant it. Where they came over to the state's they dropped it in most case's seemed easier to fit in. If they went back they added it back. In hunting the family lines down use what they did at the time they did. It is what they called themselves. If you have put the "O" back where it belongs then that's you not them. Names are just that names. Like numbers you 1 is 1 and 2 is 2. Just how it is. O'Sullivan in 1897 is O'Sullivan in 1897.... Sullivan in 1897 is Sullivan in 1897. See easy ay? Write down their names as they used them.  Too much thought is unnessisary. Seamus O'More (aka James Moore) Pepole know I am the James Moore who calles himself Seamus O'More. Slan Seamus --- On Thu, 7/16/09, Lisa O <ohlisao@att.net> wrote: From: Lisa O <ohlisao@att.net> Subject: [BEARA] O'Sullivan or Sullivan? To: beara@rootsweb.com Date: Thursday, July 16, 2009, 3:13 PM Anyone have any a suggestion to how I should note my family on our Gedcom. I found our O'Sullvan's listed on the 1901 census as Sullivan, written by John and signed as such.  This is a new development and makes me wonder how I should proceed to search for John's father Roger and grandparents.  Do you think I should try to find Roger Sullivan now?? Lisa ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to BEARA-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to BEARA-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to BEARA-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message