I have recently begun in earnest to do some research into my name; I am, if you count a generation as being 25 years, at least a 12th-generation American. Ferrell is, apparently, Irish, which would, of course, make me quite proud, and all of the evidence on the Internet seems to point in that direction. It apparently is an anglicized form of "Fearghail," meaning "man of valour," and the Fearghails lived in the area of Longford.

Is it possible it actually comes from somewhere else? Or is it that solidly Irish?

Why and when did the spelling change?

I am guessing that my Ferrells migrated to the colonies in the mid-1700s. Would the spelling have changed by then? Why would they have left Ireland, probably?

Recently, I have been enjoying a CD by the "Bothy Band." I have especially enjoyed the songs they sing in Irish, the first time I have ever really listened carefully to any recordings of the language. I am absolutely fascinated on a few fronts: 1. That people actually related to me really spoke it! 2. It seems absolutley impossible to speak! 3. I sure wish I could!

One of the song's names is "Fionnghuala." What does that mean?

Can you recommend more traditional Irish bands to listen to?

This is, most likely, plenty of questions for one posting. I appreciate any help you can provide that might steer me in the right directions as I look into my heritage. Thanks!

Tá fáilte romhat isteach a dhuine chóir.

>> .. if you count a generation as being 25 years, at least a 12th-generation American. Ferrell is, apparently, Irish ...

Yes, the spelling would point to an early anglicization.

>> ... man of valour," and the Fearghails lived in the area of Longford. ..

There were others, but the most notable Ó Fearghail people were known as Muintir Anghaile and like Mac Seanlaoich, Mac Raghnaill, Ó Cuinn (Longfoirt), Ó Maoilmhiadhaigh and others were of the Conmaicne Magh Réin stock, comprising what is now the area of Longfort and south Leitrim (and another little island of territory further north).

Fearghal is a first name still in some few families, sounding as 'Farel' and written 'Farrell', some people mistaking those who carry the name as having a 'double-barrelled' surname.

Modern christenings having brought about many more who have the Old Ir. spelling and pronounciation of 'Fergal'. Fearghal means 'man-valour'; hence 'valorous'.

>> .. 3. I sure wish I could! ...

If you wish enough, then you may, some day, speak it.

>> .. "Fionnghuala." What does that mean? ...

Bright-shoulder; hence 'bright shouldered.

I have especially enjoyed the songs they sing in Irish

One of the song's names is "Fionnghuala.

The song is very nice indeed, though this isn't an Irish language song but a Scottish Gaelic one. You sure you want to learn Irish then? ;)

Peter

The Irish form of Ferrell is given as Ó Fearail. The name Farrell has the same form so it's possible the two names have the same origins. They are definitely Irish names and are found throughout Ireland. Where your would clan originated and why they emigrated would require extensive research.


Fionnghuala is a woman's name meaning white shoulders. Nuala is another version of it.

I like Altan and Danú but there are a lot of good trad bands.

I can't tell the difference between Irish and Scottish yet and was impressed with the toung-twising Fionnghuala. Before Peter's post, I thought because the Bothy Band sung it, it had to be Irish! There are too many versions and song is too quick for me to learn at my level without slurring and butchering it beyond recognition.

May I suggest a recording of "Preab San Ol" (Trust In Drink) for you? A recording by The Dubliners alternates between Bearla (English) and Irish (Gaeilge). I've heard it is on their "The Dubliners and Luke Kelly" album.

Regarding Fionnghuala, I obtained the following story from a website you might learn to love as I have. It started out as just a Irish folk lyric site but went much further.

http://www.vincentpeters.nl/triskelle/attractions/loughderravaragh.php?index=100 .

Of course you can sit on the border of Lough Derravaragh with or without a fishing rod, to enjoy its wooden shores and green lushy meadows, but a visit to this lake is not complete without sad musings over the tragedy which took place a long time ago with the Children of Lir.

Children of Lir
The Tuatha de Danaan Lir, the Lord of the Sea, was married with Aobh (or Eve), who had gave him a daughter Fionnghuala (or Fionnuala) and a son Aodh. Aobh died in childbirth after given birth to a boy twin: Fiachra and Conn. Lir was heartbroken, but recovered and fell in love with Aoife, the sister of his deceased wife.
In time Aoife grew jealous of Lirs love for his children and, conform the bad reputation of stepmothers, she decided to get rid of the children. One day she took Lirs children out for a walk and they passed Lough Derravaragh. Being the children of the Lord of the Sea they could not resist the temptation of the water and they dived in for a swim. On the shore Aoife started with magic rituals and she put a spell on the children. The children were changed into swans with the most beautiful singing voices and they must spend 300 years on Lough Derravaragh, 300 years on the Sea of Moyle, located between Ireland and Scotland, and 300 years around Erris in County Mayo. According to one version the spell could be broken when an King of Connacht would marry a woman from Munster, while an other version requires the sound of a bell of a new God.
During their first term the Tuatha de Danaan frequently visited the children, enjoying the sound of their voices. Their second term, on the Sea of Moyle, was cold and extremely hard. While they flew from the Sea of Moyle to Erris they made a detour over Lough Derravaragh and saw their father's fort in ruines.
Finaly after nine hundred years the spell was broken. The swans changed into children, but he harsh exile took its toll. The children aged rapidly and died young.