Irish America

Irish America

Roots

Roots: Jordan, Rice and Power Families

By James G. Ryan

May/June 1994

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Readers have asked about the origin of the names Jordan, Rice and Power, only the last of which is in any way common. However, some explanation is provided below. The name Jordan is common in England but few Irish Jordans are derived from the English source. The Irish Jordans are derived from a Norman family which settled in Connaught in the 12th century. The name is derived … [Read more...] about Roots: Jordan, Rice and Power Families

Roots: The O’Carrolls

By James G. Ryan

February 1991

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The modern Carroll family is derived from one of two Gaelic roots, McCarroll or O'Carroll, but very predominantly from the latter. The name O'Carroll, in turn, derives from the Gaelic form O'Cearbhaill and there were several separate septs of this name, the most prominent being the O'Carrolls of Ely, who were chiefs of North Tipperary and Offaly. The other prominent sept was … [Read more...] about Roots: The O’Carrolls