A useful Scottish and Irish surnames tool
When researching our ancestors, one fascinating tool that offers both insight and interest is the ability to visualize the geographic distribution and density of their surnames. While surname distribution maps may not always provide direct genealogical information, they often offer clues about the geographical origins of ancestors and, occasionally, insights into the etymology and meaning of surnames. These maps can suggest regions where further research might uncover documents related to your family’s history. A particularly helpful resource for this is Barry Griffin’s surname mapping website ( barrygriffin.com ). Using data from the 1901 and 1911 Irish Censuses, Griffin has compiled distribution maps for thousands of Irish surnames. Not only can you search for a specific surname (including using wildcard searches like "M*cDonald" to return variations such as "McDonald" or "MacDonald"), but the site also allows you to browse the Top 100 Surnames by coun