Name change?

**beloitpiper** · 8th February 07, 03:30 PM

I was considering putting this in the "Heraldry" section, but I think it's safer to put it here.

I feel very strongly attached to my heritage, as I know you ALL do. My family's history is very turbulent and violent, filled with persecution and misfortune. I recently finished writing our family history (it was put upon my shoulder's after my grandfather's death) and it really awoke something inside me. I have always been politically active in the United States and abroad. I belong to some controversial groups that deal with politics overseas. I guess what I am trying to get at is that I want to honor the trials and tribulations my ancestors have been though.

When my family came to United States during the blight, they Anglicized their name to (unsuccessfully) avoid persecution for being Irish. I'm discussing it with my family, and I am seriously considering changing my name back to it's celtic origins.

It would go from English "Long" back to the Irish "Ó Longaigh".

It would be a big change. I was wondering if I could get your opinions or thoughts on the subject? Thanks.

**Colin** · 8th February 07, 03:35 PM

Isn't the name change just part of those trials and tribulations? I say keep it as is, it's part of the history now and has become part of the tale. You are not dishonoring it by keeping the name the same. However it could be a slight to the people that accepted the new version of the name and have used it ever since.

Just my 2 bits, mate.

**SnakeEyes** · 8th February 07, 03:42 PM

I agree with Colin. My family's surname has changed only slightly since it was first recorded in 1086, so I don't have the same issues as you. But I will always take pride in the name and the history, no matter what I'm called.

"A rose by any other name..."

**angel923** · 8th February 07, 03:45 PM

Both names are nice, If you feel changing it back to its original version is what is best for you and your's then go for it. but like Colin said the change to what it is now is part of its history and should not be forgotten. So whatever you choose to do add this part to the family history so that niether name is forgotten or lost

**Big Mikey** · 8th February 07, 03:54 PM

It is my feeling that the past name change is part of what got you to where you are. To truly honour your roots and heritage, live a good life, take pride in your name and who you are and perhaps get a shirt that says "Proudly Irish, now p*ss off!"

**pdcorlis** · 8th February 07, 03:57 PM

I understand how you feel - but know that this sort of thing drives genealogists crazy...

**Randy** · 8th February 07, 04:03 PM

I see as you all used to be Ó Longaigh, but now you're Long. I would stick with Long if I were you.

About 25 years ago my cousins on my mothers side found the original spelling of the last name. We all know how to spell it the newer way. And no one changed the last name. But we all know the orginal spelling and how and why it was changed.

**Colin** · 8th February 07, 04:05 PM

Better yet, keep the new one, get a tattoo with the old spelling

**angel923** · 8th February 07, 04:07 PM

Originally Posted by Colin

Better yet, keep the new one, get a tattoo with the old spelling

Here! Here! and add the shinfan to that tat to show the Irish in you.

**IEScotsman** · 8th February 07, 04:18 PM

I had a cousin that did the exact same thing. Name was changed at Ellis Island generations ago and he wanted to honor them by reverting to the old name. It gave him a sense of pride and history, I suppose.