My gr-gr-grandfather James Rall was born in 1815 to Thomas and Catherine (Burns) Rall in Westmeath.. I cannot find that surname in any Westmeath records and imagine it was Americanized upon immigration to US.. I'd appreciate advice on the correct spelling of the name and where in Westmeath the name might be found. It is possible his wife's name when they emigrated to NY was Elizabeth.
evnaranjo:
Using the search engine from the subscription site Roots Ireland, there are a number of different spellings which are possible in Co. Westmeath.
These surnames come up: Rael, Rail, Raleigh, Rawley.
The most common spelling is Rail.
I did not find a baptismal record for James but there is a February 20 1849 marriage record for a James Rail and Elizabeth Fagan in the Mayne RC church. Did the family emigrate before 1849?
Roger McDonnell
Hi,
Surnames of Ireland by Dr. Edward MacLysaght gives the following: O'Rahill, Rhall, Rall - Breffny forms of O'Raghaill (O'Reilly) which is common in County Cavan and Meath. Cavan adjoins County Westmeath.
Regards,
Hi,
www.findmypast.ie subscription site has the surname "Rall" in 1800 in the parish of Mayne or Coole, Barony of Fore, Co. Westmeath. It relates to the baptism of John Rall on March 7th 1800. Father: Thomas Rall- Mother: Ann Kiernan.
This entry can be found on catholicparishregisters@nli.ie
There are a few entries for the 1840's in County Longford - Marriages in 1841 of Eleanora and Bridget Rall in the parish of Templemichael and some in the area of Mullingar, Co. Westmeath - Burial of Maria Rall September 24th 1845 in Horseleap. 1841 census - Cavan - Bridget Rall - Servant, age 17 years
Some transcriptions appear to be incorrect - "Ball and Ralf" would appear to be the correct names.
It is likely that it was the Irish who brought this name or spelling to the USA. Many immigrants would not be too familiar with the spelling.
Just to add to the usual confusion over phonetic spelling... If you put an 'h' in the middle somewhere you can have Rhaill, Rahaill and Rahilly for instance, I have seen these in my own record searches?
I am so grateful for the efforts of so many kind folks. What I gather is that the name spelling "Rall" does occur in Ireland. My James Rall arrived in the US 7 April 1834 (London to NY on the Ship St George). He was 19 at the time of arrival. His date of birth being 1815 appears consistent from 2 US Cansuses.So I am still searching for James and feeling more confident the name is Rall and he was from Westmeath.I'd appreciate any further insights anyone might have. Thank you
Evelyn Naranjo