This informative and extremely helpful guide explains the relatively simple evolution of names such as Neill to O'Neill, as well as the baffling transfiguration of Johnson to McShane. It also describes the interchangeable use of different surnames, a practice which resulted from the translation of names between the English and Irish languages. The name Smith, for example, could have been used interchangeably with Gowan, Goan, Gow, McGowan, or O'Gowan; each of these representing the Anglicized form of the Irish word gobha-a smith. The text clarifies the meaning of prefixes and affixes, initial letters, second and third letters, contractions, spelling according to pronunciation, older forms of names, local variations in spelling and form, irregular use of maiden surnames, Christian names applied to both sexes, and other problems associated with names. The key to many genealogical puzzles lies in finding the district of origin of a surname variation. This book provides an alphabetical list of surnames and their variations plus a list of districts numerically keyed to the surnames. A third list keys each name to the principal name under which it may be found in the first alphabetical list. Don't let its small size fool you-this practical little research aid is indispensable to anyone searching Irish roots!