Mcgerigal -Hoping to find the Correct Surname

The idea of a single or correct spelling for a surname or a place name in Ireland is very much a recent phenomenon designed to meet the needs of modern officialdom. Before that there was no consistency. Names were spelled phonetically and each variation was down to the whim of the particular person recording the information. You will often see the spelling change as the records go back. This rarely indicates a deliberate decision to alter the name, nor even a mistake. Not everyone was literate, but even when they were, exact and consistent spelling simply wasn’t something they bothered about.

In 1899, the Rev Smith reviewed the early records of Antrim 1^st Presbyterian church (covering the years 1674 to c 1736). He noted: “Even the same word is not always spelled alike by the same hand. Indeed spelling with most of the recording officials (and they must have been fairly numerous) was a matter of the most sublime indifference. The name William, for instance, is spelled 3 different ways in as many lines; while Donegore, a neighbouring parish, is spelled 10 different ways; but these extend over a good number of years. Many families names are spelled phonetically, while others are given in the most round-about fashion.”

So expect spelling to vary. That was the norm. (Not helpful I know but that’s how it is).

That said, the name does not appear to be very common in Killead. I have attached the tithe applotment records for 1827 (basically a list of farmers in the parish) and the name doesn’t appear at all:

http://www.irishgenealogyhub.com/antrim/tithe-applotments/killead-parish.php

Part of the 1851 census of Killead has survived but I don’t see any McGs listed there.

What denomination was William?

According to MacLysaght in his Surnames of Ireland, McGarrigall, McGorigal, MacErrigle, MacGarrigle, MacGarrell, McGirl, MacGerl, MacGorl, and other forms of the name are all variant anglicizations of the Gaelic surname Mag Fhearghail ("son of the man of valor"), found mainly in Counties Leitrim and Cavan.  The name also exists in Donegal as Mag Fhearghail, where it was usually anglicized as MacCarrigle, Cargill, or Carkill.

Thankyou Elwyn,

Evidence suggests William was Roman Catholic. I can only imagine the difficulties deciphering names where strong regional accents were involved let alone, as you state, often spelling variations.

The link you provided was fantastic thankyou. The only name I can see bearing any resemblance is McCarriger. 

Thankyou Kevin this is very interesting to me, I always thought my roots were Scottish until recently and look forward to learning more about Irish history.

There is a Parish of Antrim named Magheragall about 10 miles from Killead. No doubt I have created a Red Herring for myself but could it be possible this is a relevant link or just coincidence.

If what you're referring to is the existence of some similarity in the sounds of the surname and the parish name, they're actually quite different in Irish.  In Irish, Magheragall is Machaire na gCeall, which means "the plain of the churches".

In your first post you said that William was born in Killead, Antrim. What’s the source for that? If it’s accurate we can maybe work backwards from it.

I have link to source if it works

Hi Kevin, I am just guessing really that William may have started a new life in a new country and for whatever reason changed his Surname. I know this is not a good angle but I have an ancestor who did something very similar. 

That marriage link certainly seems clear that it is Killead Co Antrim.

Elizabeth was evidently Presbyterian, judging by her marriage being in the Church of Scotland but whatever denomination William was, the news about baptism records is not good. Killead Church of Ireland (Anglican) has 2 churches in the parish (Gartree & Killead). Both lost their early records in the 1922 fire in Dublin. There are 2 Presbyterian churches (Killead & Loanends). Their records start in 1826 & 1834 respectively. The RC church (Glenavy) has no records before 1849.

Killead is in the Antrim town civil registration area. I searched its marriage records 1845 – 1900 and births & deaths 1864 – 1900 but did not find any other McGarrigle (or similar) events registered there. There was an Agnes McGarroll who died in 1870 aged 34. That’s about the nearest and it’s pay to view on the GRONI site.

Otherwise drawn a blank I am afraid. Possibly DNA testing may be a way of matching with others who have additional information about where the family originate. Family Tree DNA reportedly has more people with Ulster roots than any other company. That obviously increases the chances of finding a match. You might want to try them or, if you have already tested, you can transfer your results to them for no fee.

The North of Ireland Family History Society is running an Ulster DNA project in conjunction with FTDNA and can offer testing kits at a reduced price.  http://www.nifhs.org (Go to DNA project on the website).

Thankyou so much for your time and help. I have done a DNA test with Ancestry who estimate 49% Irish and noting Ulster as the connected Community. The information you have given is a great help as I was finding Ireland a bit difficult to start searching.