SurnameOrigins

SurnameOrigins is a fee for service custom mapping

service. I specialize in creating map modules designed

to identify the geographic origin of English, Scottish and

Ulster based surnames. 

A unique offering identifies the duality of Scots Irish

surname origins.

The process:

I begin by identifying and recording the Etymology of

each surname by consulting the major Irish and Scottish

surname authorities.

19th or early 20th century census records are used to

create  detailed distributions using small areal units.

(Parish or electoral divisions)

Intensity indexes are calculated and mapped to isolate

the areas of a surnames greatest intensity and probable

origins.

Key markers, religious adherence, occupational

structure(farming for example), are identified to assist in

isolating geographic homelands.

Once the 19th century distribution has been

satisfactorily identified, data is used to extend the

distribution back in time. Old parish records(Scotland or

England), census substitutes in the case of Ulster

surnames, are mapped to establish the historical

antecedents of  each surname.

Finally an analysis is undertaken to reconcile the

etymology, 19th century distribution, and historical

records.

The maps and analysis are compiled into a web page

module. The page can be uploaded to a server if the

client has one, or saved to a drive and accessed from the  

client’s desktop.

All maps are rendered at high resolution suitable for

printing. 

Appropriate historical base maps are used in

combination with the data to assist in the analysis.

All databases used in the project are provided to the

client in excel format.

The process for a project once commissioned can

normally take a week or two for completion.

Email consultation for updates or clarification are

included with the study.

Note: The module is not intended to identify a specific

family origin, rather the origin of the surname itself. If a

client has family specific records or information, this can

be incorporated into the analysis.

Pricing:

A Scots Irish surname module is priced at $50 USD.

Once a project has been undertaken, payment is not

required in advance but made upon completion.

Payment is made through PayPal.

I also undertake  more detailed projects, for example

mapping DNA studies in combination with a surname

study. Pricing is negotiable and is dependent on the

nature of, and time needed to complete the project.