The c in Surnames

[Polwarth]

Well you certainly seem to have a pragmatic outlook about the claims of your husband's family.

The thing is: it DOES upset Scots when people make spurious claims... and just because something is 'absoutely gospel' by one family's history, don't make it so!

The Mc with the raised small 'c' was just a way of writing 'mac' - it was the fashion in those days - it has absolutely NO basis in 'It makes me more Scots' or 'It absolutely HAS to be written that way'

I hope you have some success in tracing his family back, but the thing is: even if he could claim 'Irish-American' status - many Scots actually settled in Ireland (look up Plantation) for one, two, three or more generations before emigrating to the USA and other places like Canada and Australia. Maybe that's where his family's 'folk memory' originates - but who knows!

[dyannam]

Thank you. I try not to let the emotions and romance cloud my thoughts.

I understand his desire to find connections but I don't get the people who are so absolute in their thoughts that they can't examine other possibilities.

I find the stereotypical culture of Scotland to be attractive and warming, but I know full well you don't all walk around in kilts with a stout in hand while breaking into spontaneous sound. lol although stout in hand would be cool.)

I think that because of his love of history and close family ties he has a need to know, and I'm ok with that. I love him dearly and want to see his eyes light up when he finds another piece to his puzzle.

[Polwarth]

Well, we're all in favour of those who have Scots antecedents finding out exactly HOW their ancestry fits into the Scottish landscape.

Just a warning though - the 'stout' thing? Irish

[dyannam]

Oops, sorry about that. LOL

What is it you would call it? Lager, maybe? Whatever the name, as long as it warms the toes, I'm good.

Ah, winter in New England is grand. Ice on the trees, snow to the window, snow mobiles running through the neighborhood at midnight.

Ok now I need another.

[aNonnyMoose]

Whisky. Note, without an "e"...

Lager is a continental affectation, though to be fair there are some Scottish stouts - Mackeson, Sweetheart and Fowler's spring to mind.

The only spontaneous sound I utter when wandering around in my kilt is generally "It's bloody draughty today!"

[Polwarth]

I know we do have 'stouts' - but the picture of someone walking about with a pint of stout in his hands is usually accompanied by a leprachaun's hat with a shamrock on the front - ie Irish supporters at Murrayfield!

[ScottishGirl123]

No fraid' not and either is the Mac/Mc thing, McDonald and MacDonald are both Scottish. Funnily enough a lot of people think that both of these are true.
At least you asked though. Yes and stout makes me think of Irish stout.