Resources

For the Genealogically Curious

Sources & References

The information presented on this site has been compiled from a variety of historical and genealogical sources. Below you'll find the primary references used, as well as resources for conducting your own family history research.

Primary Historical Sources

SurnameDB - Prendergast Origins

Comprehensive etymology and history of the Prendergast surname, including its Norman-Flemish origins and the connection to Brontegeest.

surnamedb.com/Surname/Prendergast

Wikipedia - Prendergast (surname)

Overview of the surname's history, notable bearers, and its spread from Wales to Ireland.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prendergast_(surname)

Genealogy.com Forums

Community discussions on Prendergast origins, including the Flemish connection and early theories about the name's meaning.

genealogy.com/forum/surnames/topics/prendergast

Historical Context

The Norman Conquest

Understanding the political and social context of 1066 and how Norman followers were rewarded with English lands.

Flemish Settlement in Wales

Pembrokeshire had significant Flemish immigration in the 12th century, creating an interesting echo of our family's Flemish origins.

The Norman Invasion of Ireland (1169)

The campaign led by Strongbow that brought Maurice de Prendergast to Ireland and established the family's Irish presence.

Research Your Own Branch

If you're interested in researching your own Pendegraft/Prendergast ancestry, these resources can help you get started:

Ancestry.com

The largest genealogical database, with extensive records for American, Irish, and British ancestry. Search for Prendergast, Pendergast, Pendegraft, and variant spellings.

ancestry.com

FamilySearch.org

Free genealogical database maintained by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Excellent for Irish and American records.

familysearch.org

IrishGenealogy.ie

Official Irish government genealogy site with free access to civil records of births, marriages, and deaths.

irishgenealogy.ie

FindMyPast

Excellent for British and Irish records, including passenger lists, military records, and parish registers.

findmypast.com

DNA Testing

DNA testing can help confirm family connections and reveal geographic origins. Several services offer genealogical DNA testing:

AncestryDNA

Integrates with Ancestry's vast family tree database.

23andMe

Offers both ancestry and health insights.

FamilyTreeDNA

Specializes in detailed Y-DNA and mtDNA analysis.

Recommended Reading

On the Norman Conquest

1066: The Year of the Conquest by David Howarth
The Norman Conquest by Marc Morris

On Norman Ireland

The Norman Invasion of Ireland by Richard Roche
Strongbow: The Norman Invasion of Ireland by Conor Kostick

On Medieval Flanders

Medieval Flanders by David Nicholas
Bruges and the Renaissance (for understanding the region's history)

On Irish-American Genealogy

The Family Tree Irish Genealogy Guide by Claire Santry
Tracing Your Irish Ancestors by John Grenham

Research Tips

1. Try All Spelling Variants

Our family name has been spelled many ways: Prendergast, Pendergast, Pendegraft, Pendergrass, Prenderghast, and more. Always search for multiple variants, as record-keepers often spelled names phonetically.

2. Work Backwards from Known Facts

Start with what you know (yourself, your parents, grandparents) and work backwards. Don't jump to conclusions about connections to historical figures without documented evidence.

3. Look for Geographic Clusters

Prendergasts are concentrated in Tipperary, Waterford, and Mayo in Ireland. If your ancestors came from these areas, you're more likely to find records and connections.

4. Check Immigration Records

Ship manifests and immigration records often contain valuable information about places of origin, ages, and family relationships.

5. Connect with Others

Join genealogy forums, DNA match groups, and family associations. Other researchers may have already found the connections you're looking for.