Geraldine, [Gearóidín] (f)
The Fitzgeralds, earls of Kildare, were known as the Geraldines, and in the sixteenth century the poet Surrey saluted Lady Elizabeth Fitzgerald as 'the Fair Geraldine;, which possibly started the name. Its popularity may have been increased by its use in Coleridge's Christabel (1816).
Lysagh, [Laoiseach] (m)
Meaning 'of Laois'. Laois is a county of central Ireland - sometimes known by its English name, Leix - which was formerly called Queen's County The change of name came after Independence. Lysagh/Laoiseach was anglicised as Lewis or Louis.
Ronan, [Rónán] (m)
Meaning 'little seal'. Ronan, king of Leinster, was the subject of a tragic Irish legend. He was deceived by his second wife into killing his first son. St Ronan's Well (1823) was the title of a novel by Sir Walter Scott. The name is known in France, sometimes in its variant form Renan.
From the Appletree Press title: Irish First Names. Also from Appletree: Irish Family Names, A Little Book of Irish Family Names and the Book of Irish Names. |