Academy of Saint Gabriel Report 587

Academy of Saint Gabriel Report 587

This report is available at http://www.s-gabriel.org/587

Some of the Academy's early reports contain errors that we haven't yet corrected. Please use it with caution.

Greetings,

Here's the information we found on the name "Feargus," and on Scottish arms from between 1000-1400.

"Feargus" is a Gaelic name. The spelling you picked is most likely in the middle part of the period you selected, around 1200-1300. It would be pronounced something like "FYAR-ees." (1)

In addition to their given name, the large majority of Scottish Gaelic men used names like "mac <father's name>" (which means "son of <father>"). Any Gaelic man's name used in this period could be used as the name of your father.

The best source we can recommend is "A Simple Guide for Constructing 12th Century Gaelic names" by Sharon Krossa, which is on the Web at

Although the information dates a little before your period, it's close enough that it will give you an accurate name.

Arms were used in parts of Scotland roughly from 1200 onward. In Scots culture, the style of armory and the pattern of usage parallels English armory. In Gaelic culture, armory was rarely used until quite late in our period, and even then it was quite different in style from the armory of the Lowlands. If you can tell us more precisely when and where you want to set your persona, we may be able to make more specific suggestions.

We hope this has been helpful. If you need further assistance, please let us know.

In service,
Alan Fairfax
Academy of S. Gabriel

(1) O'Corrain & Maguire, "Irish Names."