Why would patriotic Irish convicts call their only daughter Matilda?

Question

Hello to all of Irish descent,

My ancestor Matilda Maguire is a very unusual name for a girl of Irish parents. Matilda was the wife of William the Conqueror. Not the sort of name to give to an Irish girl born in NSW Australia in 1846. The parents hated the English as can be seen when their daughter did not share her parents' prejudices.

When I was in Ireland in 2014, I did ask whenever I had the opportunity, about the name. All said that it was not a name they associate with Ireland.

I have made assumptions without evidence & wish for others' ideas.

Regards

Graeme

Comments

Dunno about Ireland, but most people in England couldn't tell you the name of the Conqueror's wife.  "Hastings" and "1066" is about as far as they go with the Conqueror.  Me too before I got into ancestors.

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I thought Matilda was a fairly common name in that era.

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I am sure you are correct Lynda, amongst people from south & west of England & those in Australia from those areas. Just not the Irish.

Answer 1

"Matilda" wasn't only William's wife.  Search on the web using "Matilda 1846 Australia" (without the quotes) and you will find multiple references to the name, including links to "Australian Royalty".

Saint Matilda was also the patron saint of large families. (Source: Catholic Online).