THE NAMING PATTERNS OF THE IRISH BEFORE THE 20th CENTURY

When searching for ancestors naming patterns can be a useful aid.
However, one must bear in mind, that these rules were not rigidly adhered to at all times.

CHILD	NAMED AFTER
Eldest son	Father's father
Second son	Mother's father
Third son	Father
Fourth son	Father's eldest brother
Fifth son	Mother's eldest brother
Eldest daughter	Mother's mother
Second daughter	Father's mother
Third daughter	Mother
Fourth daughter	Mother's eldest sister
Fifth daughter	Father's eldest sister