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Archiver > NCSCOTS > 1999-10 > 0941167993


From: "Dick" <>
Subject: Re: Archival Records of FLORA MACDONALD ???
Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 22:33:13 -0500


I agree with the linguistic logic of Jamie's argument regarding the little
'd' in Macdonald. Nevertheless, Lord Macdonald, Chief of the name and arms
of all the Macdonald, chooses to use the diminutive 'd' and he owns the
name. Sir Ian Macdonald of Sleat also spells it with the small 'd' and I
don't really know why they choose to do that. But, considering the
antiquity of their family claim to the name I would bow to their wishes, and
proprietary right. Apparently, they have for whatever reason chosen to
spell it that way for many generations. Now, I don't in any way disagree
with Jamie's reasoning and must add that the ancient Scots were not
linguistic and did not use surnames. Like all Celtic folk they
predominately used given names. In fact, the matter remains so prevalent in
Wales that surnames may change from generation to generation, dependent on
the importance of certain ancestors rather than pure patronymics.

Best regards,

Dick Hudson

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