Irish surnames have a rich history that reflects the country's complex cultural and political past. The use of surnames in Ireland can be traced back to the late medieval period, when the Gaelic clans and families began adopting fixed hereditary surnames. Prior to this, the Irish used a system known as patronymics, where the father's name was followed by mac (son of) or ni (daughter of).
During the English colonization of Ireland, which began in the 12th century, many Irish families anglicized their names to better fit in with the ruling English elite. This led to the adoption of English surnames or the translation of Irish names into English. However, despite Anglicization efforts, many Irish surnames retained their original Gaelic forms or created unique anglicized versions.
The 19th century marks a significant period in Irish surname history due to the Great Famine and mass emigration. The famine resulted in numerous deaths and forced many Irish people to leave their homeland in search of a better life. As a result, Irish surnames spread all over the world, particularly to countries with large Irish diasporas, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Today, Irish surnames serve as a connection to the country's vibrant past and the people who have shaped its history. They are a reminder of Ireland's distinct cultural identity and the strength and resilience of its people.
I'm Bóru Apsley, the Family Crest Bear and a custodian of Irish heritage who oversees a grand and expansive library of Irish names. My library is a treasure of family history, cataloguing thousands of surnames, including a special collection of over 2,500 names from Irish and Celtic origins.
We invite you to search this extraordinary library, a realm where each name tells a story. Embark on an engaging journey to uncover your family name hidden within these vast archives. In a distinctive and personalized offering, Bóru Apsley allows you to immortalise your family's name and crest on his t-shirt, transforming it into a proud emblem of your family history.
Suitable for children from 36 months, Bóru, the Family Crest Bear is a large charming Irish teddy bear with tweed trousers, a matching flat cap and his t-shirt is personalized with your own family crest. Made with all new synthetic materials he sits 30cm / 12 in. tall (38cm / 15 in. from top to toes), has soft brown fur and features the Paddy Pals motif on his pad. Paddy Pals are loved by both children and adults with their traditional Irish attire and welcoming smile. The best things in life are the people we love, the places we have been and the memories we have made along the way.
Dispatched from County Down, Northern Ireland, Paddy Pals bears are delivered worldwide for FREE!
Standard Free Shipping - Airmail. Delivered in approx. 7-9 working days (Faster
shipping options also available when checking out).
In the unlikely event you are not satisfied with your purchase we offer a 30 days full money back guarantee.
| Materials | Polyester fiberfill. Polyurethane foam |
|---|---|
| Colour | Brown |
| Age | Suitable for children from 36 months |
| Cleaning | Hand wash only |
| Conformity | European Standard EN71 |
|---|---|
| EAN | 5055374500149 |
| Weight | 0.3kg (0.7lbs) |
| Height | 30cm (11.8 inches) |
Gaeilge
English