RESEARCHING IRELAND -2 IRISH NAMES In the early years of Irish civil registration there can be many variations in surname spellings and researchers are advised to prepare for possible alternative spellings. The popular Irish surname prefix of 'O' was regarded by some registrars as optional until the end of the 19th century so, for example, an event for an O'KELLY may have been registered under KELLY. Similarly surnames beginning with 'Mac' may easily appear under 'Mc'. There can be problems, too, with the forenames as sometimes people with two or more forenames were only registered with one, which was most often their first forename. With common surnames this can present real problems in identifying one individual from a number of possibilities. If the precise location where an event took place is known it is sometimes worth considering an approach to the local register office where the event should have been registered and seeking to obtain a copy certificate there. Register office staff can sometimes be very helpful and addresses of local Irish register offices can be found in Irish regional telephone directories under 'Health Board'. ============================================================= ©Cara_Links Researching Co.Wicklow,Wexford. A friend is one who accepts your past, loves you as you are, and believes in your tomorrows