The M(a)cDermotts claim descent from one Dermot, 12th Century King of Connacht whose seat was at Moylurg. The Gaelic prefix "M(a)c" means "son (of)", plus the personal name Diarmuid or Dermot meaning "free man". Diarmuid and Blathmac reigned jointly as High Kings of Ireland circa 657 A.D., so it is likely that the roots of the McDermotts go back to this date. The chief of the family is recognized by the Irish Genealogical Office and entitled to be called The Mac Dermot. He also bears the title Prince of Coolavin. Two great branches of this family existed in Ireland. The first belonged to Coolavin, County Sligo and the second to Kilronan, County Roscommon. Their territories in these counties were known as "Mac Dermot's County". The Annals of Lough Ce dealing with main events in Irish history from 1014 - 1571, were inspired by one, Brian Mac Dermot, a 16th Century Chieftain. Recordings from Scottish Church Registers include the marriage of Neil McDermid and Isabella Brown on July 23rd 1857, at Glenmuick, Aberdeen. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Brian Mac Dermot, former owner of the "Annals of Lough Ce", which was dated (died) 1592, recorded at Moylurg, Ireland, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1, known as "Good Queen Bess", 1558 - 1603. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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