There are a number of Gaelic names throughout Ireland which do not belong to any Irish clans. Prof Eoin McNeill has disclosed the meaning of their presence.............. Where many people of the same name were in the same locality one or more second or distinctive names were added between the Christian name and the surname: some of these are patronymics and come from the locality, while others come from the appearance or quality of the owner.......... Aghy (Eachaidh) - a forename. Ballagh (ballach) - speckled, freckled and then some Irish surnames: Irish & English Mac Adhaimh = Adams, Adamson, McAdam Mac Ailein = Macallan, McAlan, Allison & Ellison Mac Aindreis = McAndrew, Anderson, Andrews Mac Aoidh = Mackay While the article itself is from the book History of Monaghan, there is a lot in the chapter that is interesting in relation to Irish names and also surnames from around the country given in Irish. Click on the link below and then on Personal Nomenclature http://www.from-ireland.net/contents/monaghanconts.htm Jane