Eleanor Gorman married Thomas Barron in 1848 in Sheepstown, Kilkenny. I found 7 children listed but the mother's name varies from Eleanor to Nelly to Ellen. The dates appear logical, every 2 years, same town, same father. Would the first name of the mother vary like this? Pretty sure this is a dna match for me at the 4th cousin level. Any thoughts appreciated. .
Mary
Eleanor, Nelly and Ellen are all completely interchangeable in Ireland, so I wouldn't worry about the variation if all other information fits.
Thanks for your thoughts and help
Seconding what Elwyn told you, those names, plus names like Nell, Eveleen, Evelyn, Eileen, and Helen are all possible anglicizations of the Irish given name Eibhilín, although Eleanor and Eleanora can also be anglicizations of the given name Eléanóir, which I assume is of Norman French origin. Often, especially in the early 19th century or before, it was the parish priest or (later on) some land agent or government official who chose which anglicized form to write down, while the family may have gone on using the Irish form among themselves. When they grew up and/or emigrated, people sometimes changed to a different form which they preferred.
I agree completely with what Kevin says. I live in Co. Antrim and have a friend named Ellen on her birth certificate but she’s always been Helen to her friends. (Something we only discovered when a flight ticket bought by someone else as a surprise treat didn’t match the name in her passport). Names also change when people move to live somewhere else. Ellens who go to Scotland usually become Helen there (presumably because it’s more common. I don’t really know). Other examples of interchangeable forenames are: Jean & Jane, Jenny & Janet, Nancy, Agnes & Ann are all interchangeable, Sally & Sarah, Sheila & Julia, Mary & May, Peggy & Margaret, Peter & Patrick, Sean & John, John & Jack, Edward & Edmund, Henry & Harry, Robin & Robert, Roy & Robert, Kathleen & Catherine. (The famous Scottish poet Robert Burns was never known as Robert to his friends. He was always Robin to them).
Then I could explain about Irish names such as Eamon and Edward, Eoghan & Owen. But life’s too short. Google it.
maryThanks to everyone for the great information. It was really helpful and I'm glad this is true because I'm finding more Gorman dna matches. Can't wait to visit Ireland in 2022
My Gormans are from Baunmore and Johnstown Kilkenny, I have also had my DNA done and uploaded to most sites. I cant get back past the early 1800's, it would be so good to break down this brick wall. There seem to be so many Gormans in the Kilkenny Tipperary area, all with the same christian and surnames, I make tiny steps in progress.
I dont think we are connected but who knows??? way back!!
Cheers
Christine Sanger (Gorman) Australia