Short Answer
Scope and source
This article presents a themed list of twenty Manx surnames together with the historical forms recorded in the Third ManxScrapbook. The Third ManxScrapbook is a nineteenth‑century compilation of parish registers, court documents and other archival materials from the Isle of Man. It contains many early spellings of surnames that later became standard. The list is not a frequency ranking; it simply selects surnames that have clear historical variants documented in the source. All entries are drawn from Chapter 3 of the Third ManxScrapbook and are cited to that work.
The surname list
| Surname | Historical Forms | Brief Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| MacNamaire | MacNamaire (1822), MacGilmere/MacEmere (1513) | Irish‑derived patronymic “Mac Naomhair” that evolved into MacNamaire; later forms show Anglicisation. |
| MacOboy | MacOboy (1818), MacBoy (1513), MacBoyd (1778, 1794), Boyd (1755, 1790) | Originating from the Scottish MacBoy, the name was gradually shortened and Anglicised. |
| McFayle | McFayle (1863) | Recorded in Thwaites’ Directory; likely a variant of an English name rather than a native Manx form. |
| McKneale | McKneale (still found in Ramsey district) | Not a native Manx name; a Manx adaptation of the Scottish McNeill. |
| Black | Black (1654) | Scottishman John Blacke naturalised in Ramsey in 1654, later buried in Lezayre. |
| Blackburn | Blackburne (1526) | Early mention of Hugh Blackburne, constable to the Earl of Derby. |
| Boyd | Boyd (1755, 1790), MacBoy (1513), MacBoyd (1778, 1794) | Derived from MacOboy, evolving into the modern surname Boyd. |
| Bodagh | Bodagh (1513), Bodough (1601) | Possibly merged into the later surname Boyd. |
| Callin | Callin (1311) | “Alan the Manstkes” held land in Liverpool; the name may originate from Alan. |
| Cannell | Cannell (present), MacDanell (earlier), MacGilhonylt (later) | Probable origin from MacDanell; another source suggests MacGilhonylt. |
| Caughan | Caughan (1417), MacHaughan (1417) | Old Galloway and Scottish variants of the name. |
| Christry | Christry (1580), Crutchery (1703), Cruggery (1703) | Variant of Christian or Crystal, linked to a place name in Ballachristory. |
| Clarke | Clarke (1422), Clerey (later) | Originally an English clerk; later rendered as Clifford/Clerey in Manx records. |
| Cogeen | Cogeen (1510), Codin (1641), Cotgeen (later) | From MacFaden, son of Paudeen or Paddy; Irish and Scottish derivatives retained closer to the original. |
| Colvin | Colvin (1579), Colbyn (1540), Colby (1510) | Possible English Ceolfwine or Norse Kolbeinn, evolving into Colvin. |
| Corjeag | Corjeag (1513), MacQuartag (1513), Quigage (1594) | Derived from Murdoch or Muircheartaigh; early forms show various spellings. |
| Cormode | Cormode (stress on second), Kermode (stress on first) | Two distinct families: Cormode from Norse Thormod, Kermode from MacDiarmaid. |
| Corrin | Corrin (MacCorrane, 1422) | Originating from a MacThoryngt form, related to the Norse Thorfind. |
| Corris | Corris (1504), Quarres (1611) | From MacMorris; later also appears as MacWharres. |
| Kermode | Kermode (MacKermott 1429, 1498), Kermott (later) | From MacDiarmaid, son of Dermot; the spelling changed over time. |
How to read the historical forms
The table lists each surname’s earliest documented spelling followed by later variants. The dates are taken from the parish registers and court documents cited in the Third ManxScrapbook. Note that the spelling of a name in a single source may differ from other contemporary records, reflecting dialectal pronunciation, the scribe’s preference, or Anglicisation.
Patterns and context
Many of the surnames show a progression from a Gaelic or Scottish patronymic (e.g., MacNamaire, MacOboy) to a more Anglicised form (e.g., Boyd, MacNamaire). Others appear to be English names brought to the island (e.g., Clarke, McFayle). The Third ManxScrapbook demonstrates that the island’s surname history is a blend of native Manx, Irish, Scottish, and English influences.
Dataset or selection limitations
The list is limited to surnames for which the Third ManxScrapbook records provide at least one historical variant. It is not exhaustive of all Manx surnames, nor does it reflect modern frequency or distribution. The source is a nineteenth‑century compilation and may omit names that were uncommon or that evolved after the period covered.
Explore the surnames and begin research
To investigate a particular surname further, consult parish registers, court rolls, and the Manx Society publications referenced in the Third ManxScrapbook. Look for the earliest spelling listed here, then search for later forms in subsequent records to trace the name’s evolution.
Source and editorial status
All entries are derived from Chapter 3 of the Third ManxScrapbook (Isle of Man, 19th century). The article is an initial compilation and has not yet undergone a full editorial review. “Editorial review pending.”
FAQ
What is the origin of the surname Black in Manx records?
The surname Black appears in the 1654 entry as a Scottishman naturalised in Ramsey; the name likely has Scottish origins rather than being native to the Isle of Man.
How can I find earlier forms of a surname?
Consult parish registers, court rolls, and other archival documents such as those compiled in the Third ManxScrapbook; look for the earliest spelling and trace subsequent variants.
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