Janet how common is it that the last names are correct but the first names are different. I know that my grandmother was born a Josephine but when she arrived here in the USA,, went by Mary ??? why would that be??

Many people changed their first names as they do today for simple personal preference. Also in Ireland the traditional naming pattern meant there were always close relatives with the same name so a distinction was useful (often simply a shortened form or a "pet" name). Mary was not at all common in the first half of the nineteenth century. Several other girls' names were more popular, Bridget, Catherine, Judy/Judith for example. In the second half of the century the Catholic devotion to Mary had a major boost (leading eventually to the proclamation of the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption) and the influence and organisation of the church increased. Richard Callanan, London, England. -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 24 June 2003 02:47 To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [ROSCOMMON] RE: Flanagan/Flynn Janet how common is it that the last names are correct but the first names are different. I know that my grandmother was born a Josephine but when she arrived here in the USA,, went by Mary ??? why would that be?? ==== ROSCOMMON Mailing List ==== Were your ancestors in Roscommon/Connaught criminals? Find out at: http://www.rootsweb.com/~irlros/criminal_files/criminal_a_b.htm

Would someone be able to help me out with the address of the R.C. church in Ballinlough. Thanks in advance. George Carter in Whaley Bridge.