Council Website First for Names

Clare People Weekender, Friday, 24th August 2007

THE genealogical database of Clare County Council is to be further enhanced with a major expansion of its website. The surnames database at www.clarelibrary.ie allows members of the public to find information on the frequency and spread of surnames in Clare over a period of almost 100 years. The three genealogical sources used on the website are the Census of Population of 1901, Griffith’s Valuation of 1855 and the Tithe Applotment Books compiled between 1823 and 1837.

“This addition to the Clare Library website puts a wealth of information on surnames in County Clare at the disposal of anyone with an interest in family history, statistical research or simply with a curiosity about their own name or locality,” explained Noel Crowley, County Librarian. “It shows that if your name is McMahon or McNamara you feature in the top two in County Clare at all times between 1820 and 1901. O’Brien and Kelly come in third and fourth respectively while Ryan and Moloney vie for fifth place. A combined alphabetical list of every surname which occurs in the surveys is also given, which will help people browse for variations in surname spellings.”

The website - regarded as one of Ireland’s most significant sources of genealogical and historical information - also features information on origins of heraldry, parishes and church records, Griffith’s Valuation Index for Clare 1855, land owners in Clare 1876 and the Bodyke evictions.

“Log on now and check out the popularity of your own name, examine the trends in the movement of names within the county, note the unusual names, observe newcomers to the county and see the disappearance of certain names over the years,” added Mr. Crowley.

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