Academy of Saint Gabriel Report 080

Academy of Saint Gabriel Report 080

This report is available at http://www.s-gabriel.org/080

This is one of the Academy's earliest reports. We are not confident that these early reports are accurate. Please use it with caution.

Greetings,

Here's the information we found on "Duncan Faramach MacLeod."

In the 12th century, there were at least five languages spoken in the area that is now Scotland. The two languages which are relevant to us are Scots, which is related to English, and Gaelic, which in the 12th century was identical to the language spoken in Ireland at the time. Scots eventually became the dominant language in Scottish cities and courts, and the Gaelic names we have were recorded by people who spoke Scots and wrote in Latin. The names we think of as "Gaelic" are actually modifications of Gaelic names. "Duncan," for example, is a form of the Gaelic name "Dunchad" or "Donnchad." (pronounced "dun-chad" with the "Scottish ch," which sounds a bit like you're clearing your throat.)

The use of "clan names" as surnames is a post-period practice. We can find plenty of examples of the name "mac Leoid," but in the 12th century, it meant "Duncan, son of Leod" rather than "Duncan of Clan MacLeod." Gaels often included their grandfather's name as well (for example, "Duncan mac Leoid mhic Dubgaill," meaning "Duncan, son of Leod, son of Dugall).

Unfortunately we didn't find any evidence for "Faramach." Descriptive names are rare in Scottish naming, and the examples we do have are of physical characteristics (a common example is "dubh" or "black").

Even if your name is correct in form, your name might conflict with Duncan Macleod from "Highlander." Previous submissions of "Duncan Macleod" have been returned for this reason, so we can be sure that it will be an issue. It is possible that the name "Dunchad mac Leoid" would be considered significantly different from "Duncan Macleod--" the Rules for Submissions do not give a definitive answer. To be sure of avoiding conflict, you could register the name "Dunchad mac Leoid mhic <grandfather>," which would be different from "Duncan MacLeod" according to the SCA rules for submissions.

Whatever you choose to do, we will be happy to assist you.

Effric neyn Kenyoch, Arval D'Espas Nord, Lindorm Eriksson, Elsbeth Anne Roth, Hartmann Rogge, and Tangwystl verch Morgant Glasvryn all worked on your name.

In service,
Alan Fairfax
Academy of S. Gabriel