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Archiver > SCT-SUTHERLAND > 2002-05 > 1020571313


From: Frances Bishop <>
Subject: Re: [SUT] Mackay Brick Wall - "More MACKAY"
Date: Sat, 4 May 2002 21:01:53 -0700


Hi Sue,

I like your scenario!

"More" may have been a nickname (which wouldn't help anyone make a
positive identification, especially at this late date).

My husband's ancestor in Kildonan was called Donald "Mor" SUTHERLAND
(b. about 1767, d. 1858). "Mor" means big in Gaelic. It was a useful
way to identify men of the same given name and surname. For example,
a man named John (Ian) would be called "Ian Mor" to distinguish him
from his son, who would be "Ian Beag" ("beag" means small or little).

Maybe your "More MACKAY" lived next door to, or near, a married son?

Best wishes,
Frances

---- original message ----

Sue wrote: "I had to smile when I came to Kirtomy. Apparently living
on his own was someone rejoicing in the name of More MACKAY. I wonder
if the enumerator got fed up with all the Mackays and just wrote
MORE, or whether, when asked for his name, the man grinned and said
'Mackay. Ay, MORE Mackay!' Or is this a Christian name I've never
heard of?"
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