Meaning of McFadden misinterpreted?
Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2016 4:29 pm
I have read from many sources (including this site) that the McFadden name was considered to be an anglicization of the Gaelic (or Middle Irish) Mac Pháidín or Mac Páidín, which means “son of little Patrick.” However, Edward MacLysaght, one of the foremost genealogists of twentieth century Ireland, refers to it as 'a patronimic from Paidin, a Gaelic pet form of Patrick'.
It seems that when referred to as 'the diminutive form of Patrick' it is interpreted as 'little Patrick' which seems an odd way of translating or interpreting it. For example, the diminutive form of Nicholas is Nick, Thomas is Tom or Tommy, John is Johnny or Jack. So it does not make sense that the diminutive form of Patrick is 'little Patrick'! Whoever referred to someone that way or used 'little Nicholas' or 'little Thomas'? By way of justification, the well known jig Paddy O'Rafferty is referred to as Paudeen O'Rafferty / Páidín Ó Raifeartaigh, never little Patrick O'Rafferty'!
It should surely be Pat or Paddy and the real meaning of our surname is 'son of Pat or Paddy'.
I am not an Irish speaker but would be interested to hear other people's views on this.
It seems that when referred to as 'the diminutive form of Patrick' it is interpreted as 'little Patrick' which seems an odd way of translating or interpreting it. For example, the diminutive form of Nicholas is Nick, Thomas is Tom or Tommy, John is Johnny or Jack. So it does not make sense that the diminutive form of Patrick is 'little Patrick'! Whoever referred to someone that way or used 'little Nicholas' or 'little Thomas'? By way of justification, the well known jig Paddy O'Rafferty is referred to as Paudeen O'Rafferty / Páidín Ó Raifeartaigh, never little Patrick O'Rafferty'!
It should surely be Pat or Paddy and the real meaning of our surname is 'son of Pat or Paddy'.
I am not an Irish speaker but would be interested to hear other people's views on this.