When researching your family tree, knowing a standard naming pattern for the children in a family might help you in confirming your family history. The following naming pattern was supplied by Jean Lawson, Genealogist. It helps to explain why similar names were common through various generations of families. Below is the Irish naming order that Families in Ireland have used for centuries. Sons: First son after father's father Second son after mother's father Third son after father Fourth son after father's oldest brother Fifth son after mother's oldest brother (Sometimes father's 2nd. oldest brother) Daughters: First daughter after mother's mother (or father's mother) Second daughter after father's mother (or mother's mother) Third daughter after mother Fourth daughter after mother's oldest sister Fifth daughter after father's oldest sister (Sometimes mother's 2nd. oldest sister)