Researching Cross families in Kinego and Moyroe, Killyman. Among those listed in Kinego was Cross, Thomas, whose name is followed by (Billy), and Cross, Thomas (Kennedy). In Moyroe, there is Cross, Thomas (Billy) again. Does anyone know what is signified by the names in parentheses? Thanks, Tommy Bryant Bewildered in Birmingham, AL USA

Hello (Bewildered in Birmingham -- ha ha. Sounds like an agony aunt column entry. LOL) Tommy. Occasionally on some of the Ulster lists, I have seen discussion on this sort of thing. If my memory is correct, some of the discussions have said that even today in Ireland (or at least in Fermanagh) they use such naming in local talk, so that where there are several people with the same names, they can know more exactly which one is meant, by tying that person down to his or her next-of-kin in a particular townland. I think that in many cases -- most probably in each of the cases which you cite here --- the name in brackets is usually a reference to the name of the FATHER of the person. So you have Thomas who is the son of Billy; and perhaps the other Thomas is a son of someone called Kennedy CROSS -- or perhaps it might refer to a townland named Kennedy where that CROSS family is resident. Now I am writing this as an ignorant aussie, with NO local Irish knowledge; so hopefully a 'local' will also reply to your note with better quality information; but maybe this might help you a little in the interim. Hope so. Ray in oz ----- Original Message ----- From: <doowopdoc@aol.com> > Researching Cross families in Kinego and Moyroe, Killyman. Among those > listed in Kinego was Cross, Thomas, whose name is followed by (Billy), and > Cross, Thomas (Kennedy). In Moyroe, there is Cross, Thomas (Billy) again. > Does anyone know what is signified by the names in parentheses? ... Tommy Bryant Bewildered in Birmingham, AL USA