Swinford as surname

[swinford]

I wonder if any families in Mayo have the surname "Swinford."  I can live with the fact that the name doubtless describes a place where the pigs can cross the river, but a number of folks in the USA have that surname (like me.)  I plan to visit Swinford in a couple of months and hope not to make too big a fool of myself.

[YukonHall]

Katherine Swinford married John of Gaunt in 14?? she was the sister in law of Geoffrey Chaucer and her descendants became kings of England.  So Swinford is a fine name!  (Not her Swinford descendants! but she had some).

Have fun on your trip!

Frances

[swinford]

Frances,

Thank you for your reply

John Swinford
(possible unacknowledged King of England)

[YukonHall]

My pleasure, your Highness.

Frances

[Mobo]

 

Hi Swinford,

My 'Dunn(e)'s came from Swinesford (as it was then known) circa 1848) viz:

"SWINESFORD (now SWINFORD) is a market town on the River Moy.  It lies in the parish of KILCONDUFF, in the barony of GALLEN, in the county of MAYO, and the province of CONNAUGHT, 15 miles from BALLINA and 140 from DUBLIN.

Founded in the late 18th century by the English Brabazon family, SWINFORD was probably named after a town on their Leicestershire Estate. However, another theory suggests  the name derives from a large pig fair which was held there. The Irish name for Swinford , "Béal Átha na Muice", means "the mouth of the ford of the pig".

 

[swinford]

Mobo,

Thank you for your reply.  I will be visiting Swinford around the end of May, and will take the pigs as they come.

[YukonHall]

Hi John (King John I mean),
just realised our ancestors would have been neighbours in the 19th century - my Irish lot come from Ballaghderreen, the parish of Bohalas Mayo/Roscommon (that's as much as I know).  From what I read about Irish history you would have been rich indeed to have a pig.

Hope you have a good visit - tell us about it when you get back.

Frances

[Mobo]

I wonder if any families in Mayo have the surname "Swinford."  I can live with the fact that the name doubtless describes a place where the pigs can cross the river, but a number of folks in the USA have that surname (like me.)  I plan to visit Swinford in a couple of months and hope not to make too big a fool of myself.

Hi Swinford,

did you manage to visit the 'old country' yet, or find out if there were any other folk named Swinford ?