Ó Maol Phádraig: the name, the people, and the clans. Part I.

Once upon a time, the Ó Maol Phádraig (O’Mulpatrick) was a notable clan; or, better – there were once notable clans of that name. Earlier, there were noteworthy individuals named Máel Pátraic, which is the earliest version of any name given to honour St Patrick. Among such notables were those whose given name came to transcend the individual – so, Máel Pátraic became attached to a patronym. Our series of articles explores the name Máel Pátraic. In Part I, we discuss the origins of the name and consider the patterns apparent in early annalistic records. Connections are made to those regions of Éire where the name was commonly found. In Part II, we review authoritative Máel Pátraic genealogies, the dynasties whose members bore the name, and the emergence the Ó Maol Phádraig surname. In Part III, and we consider records that occur from the late medieval era until the nineteenth century. Finally, in Part IV, we link the living with those Ó Maol Phádraig gone before via the power of genetic genealogy. Ó Maol Phádraig is a virtually extinct surname; today their descendants carry Fitzpatrick or other Pátraic-surname forms. Here, the name, the people, and the clans are revived.