Yes, I knew several old Irish families(relatives of mine) none married and all lived together-one was always called "Major", the youngest man was called "Babe"-his name was George! Ellen was called "Nellie", Mary was called "Mae", Michael was always "Mick"--I didn't know if this was common place or just one family----but it does seem as I have done genealogy over the years it is kind of a pattern the Irish have used. It would be nice to find a list of these "pet" or nicknames. Helen