The History of the Rabbitt family name:
The research has proven the surname Rabbitt was originally developed from the first name of original bearer's father. In this case the surname comes from the old German first name RABBODA or RADBODA. The first bearer of the name would have been simply "the son of RABBODA". The name RABBODA itself, comes from the Old Germanic and means "counsel messenger". Earliest documentation of the surname dates back to the 11th century, when one RADBODA is recorded in the Doomsday Book of 1086. In the Curia Regis Rolls of York in 1203, there is a reference to one Sygwat Radboda.
Other forms of the surname in use today include; Rabbet, Rabbett, Rabits, Rabbitts, Rabbitt, Rabbitte.
Naming patterns / name changes:
The consistent use of a common set of first names is a feature of the Rabbitt family in Ireland and this continued into the later generations of the family in New Zealand. Names like William, Michael, Patrick, and John consistently appear among males. Female names in common use include; Bridget, Mary and Honora or Norah/Nora/Honor.
The earliest records sighted (dated 1751), show the spelling of the family name as "Rabbitt", but there has been no consistency. The 1828 Tithes clearly show the name as "Rabbitte". At least until the late 1890's the family name, for this particular family, in Ireland, was occasionally spelt with one "T" ie; Rabbit. Occasional use of the double "T"; ie: RABBITT, begins to occur about this time. By the time William, the youngest brother of this family departed for New Zealand in 1910, he was using an "E" as the last letter of the surname; i.e.; RABBITTE.
Over the years there has been little consistency of spelling within the wider New Zealand family. Clearly it did not matter then, and there is no reason to think differently today.
Consequently in writing this review the authors have used the spellings as supplied by the various branches of the family. There is no right or wrong spelling.
Other forms of the surname in use today include; Rabbet, Rabbett, Rabits, Rabbitts, Rabbitt, Rabbitte.
Naming patterns / name changes:
The consistent use of a common set of first names is a feature of the Rabbitt family in Ireland and this continued into the later generations of the family in New Zealand. Names like William, Michael, Patrick, and John consistently appear among males. Female names in common use include; Bridget, Mary and Honora or Norah/Nora/Honor.
The earliest records sighted (dated 1751), show the spelling of the family name as "Rabbitt", but there has been no consistency. The 1828 Tithes clearly show the name as "Rabbitte". At least until the late 1890's the family name, for this particular family, in Ireland, was occasionally spelt with one "T" ie; Rabbit. Occasional use of the double "T"; ie: RABBITT, begins to occur about this time. By the time William, the youngest brother of this family departed for New Zealand in 1910, he was using an "E" as the last letter of the surname; i.e.; RABBITTE.
Over the years there has been little consistency of spelling within the wider New Zealand family. Clearly it did not matter then, and there is no reason to think differently today.
Consequently in writing this review the authors have used the spellings as supplied by the various branches of the family. There is no right or wrong spelling.
Rabbitt in Galway
The Galway Rabbitt’s are descendants of the Mayo clan of O’COININ. In the Irish language Coinin means “rabbit” and it can also be anglicised as Kinnane or Cunnane. The O’Coinins were a bardic family who were trained to travel around Ireland composing stories and ballads about local subjects.
In a letter about the Rabbitt family in Ireland,one of our New Zealand ancestors wrote "the Rabbitt family has been in the Galway area for over 300 years". The research has proven the Rabbitt family name to be in Galway in 1751; and clearly there is a history beyond that, so the timing of "over 300 years:" is accurate. Between 1750 and1800 the Rabbitt family name could be found in many of the counties of Ireland, but highest concentrations were in County Galway. Based on the safe haven of Galway Bay, the earliest developments of the Galway area go back over 5000 years. There are recollections in the family that our very early ancestors were Scandinavians and some of the earliest settlers in Ireland were Scandinavian. Our research has been unable to confirm that point but who knows what future research may discover?
The Rabbitt family, from which the New Zealand, (Otago/Southland) family has descended, resided in a small area known as GRANGE, in the Catholic parish of LACKAGH in County Galway. Latterly this area has also become known as TURLOUGHMORE. Earliest records of settlement in this area date from 1415.
Rabbit Country in County Galway, Ireland
The Galway Rabbitt’s are descendants of the Mayo clan of O’COININ. In the Irish language Coinin means “rabbit” and it can also be anglicised as Kinnane or Cunnane. The O’Coinins were a bardic family who were trained to travel around Ireland composing stories and ballads about local subjects.
In a letter about the Rabbitt family in Ireland,one of our New Zealand ancestors wrote "the Rabbitt family has been in the Galway area for over 300 years". The research has proven the Rabbitt family name to be in Galway in 1751; and clearly there is a history beyond that, so the timing of "over 300 years:" is accurate. Between 1750 and1800 the Rabbitt family name could be found in many of the counties of Ireland, but highest concentrations were in County Galway. Based on the safe haven of Galway Bay, the earliest developments of the Galway area go back over 5000 years. There are recollections in the family that our very early ancestors were Scandinavians and some of the earliest settlers in Ireland were Scandinavian. Our research has been unable to confirm that point but who knows what future research may discover?
The Rabbitt family, from which the New Zealand, (Otago/Southland) family has descended, resided in a small area known as GRANGE, in the Catholic parish of LACKAGH in County Galway. Latterly this area has also become known as TURLOUGHMORE. Earliest records of settlement in this area date from 1415.
Rabbit Country in County Galway, Ireland
In County Galway, the highest concentrations of the Rabbit surname were located around Galway town, Athenry, Turloughmore, Tuam and Ballinasloe. Our ancestors were based within this general area of perhaps 50 square miles. Today the district is thriving with well groomed countryside lined with the stone fences so typical of the Galway area. In earlier times the area was swampy stony bog land and our ancestors worked hard to make a living from the land and improve it to the standard it is today.
The Parish of Lackagh:
The earliest evidence shows our ancestors lived at Grange, within the parish of Lackagh. The name “Grange” applies both to the small village of Grange itself, and to the area of countryside around the village. The total area of the old Lackagh parish is about 20 square miles, and Grange is located about the centre of the parish. The following 1819 drawing of the Lackagh Parish covers the general area where our ancestors lived.
The Parish of Lackagh:
The earliest evidence shows our ancestors lived at Grange, within the parish of Lackagh. The name “Grange” applies both to the small village of Grange itself, and to the area of countryside around the village. The total area of the old Lackagh parish is about 20 square miles, and Grange is located about the centre of the parish. The following 1819 drawing of the Lackagh Parish covers the general area where our ancestors lived.
Grange and Grange Castle
Nearby to Grange village are the remains of an early 16th century Norman castle. The castle was built by the Normans to secure the land gained by their conquests in the area, and would have housed between 20 and 100 soldiers.
The early developments of a community in the Grange area were based around the castle. There was a small church beside the castle, with a “holy well” in the church grounds. The Rabbit family, like other families living in Grange, used the holy well for their water supply. It was a daily task to go to the well and carry water back to the family home.
Extract from the Tithes of Lackagh Parish 1828
The earliest evidence of the Rabbitt family living in the Lackagh area is found in the 1828 record - The Tithes of Lackagh Parish. The “tithes” were taxes levied by the British government for the upkeep of the Protestant Church of Ireland. As Lackagh at that time was an entirely Catholic community, the tithes system, was much resented. The tithes were levied on those who owned or leased land. The following is an extract from the 1828 tithes list for Lackagh Parish. Note the name of “Rabbitte & Co” as the tenants of 102 acres owned by landlord, Robert Bodkin. It is interesting to note the other names on the list, particularly Greaney, Burke, Hanly, and Culkin which are names which will reappear repeatedly in this review.
Extract from the Tithes of Lackagh Parish 1828
The earliest evidence of the Rabbitt family living in the Lackagh area is found in the 1828 record - The Tithes of Lackagh Parish. The “tithes” were taxes levied by the British government for the upkeep of the Protestant Church of Ireland. As Lackagh at that time was an entirely Catholic community, the tithes system, was much resented. The tithes were levied on those who owned or leased land. The following is an extract from the 1828 tithes list for Lackagh Parish. Note the name of “Rabbitte & Co” as the tenants of 102 acres owned by landlord, Robert Bodkin. It is interesting to note the other names on the list, particularly Greaney, Burke, Hanly, and Culkin which are names which will reappear repeatedly in this review.
The 1831 Census
The 1831 Ireland Census records a total of 2190 people living in Lackagh Parish. All were Catholic and there was a church and a school in the area. At one time the parish was split into five different sections, each with its own church. One of these smaller sections was based at Grange, and the remains of old churches can still be seen. These remains date from at least the early 16th century.
The 1831 Ireland Census records a total of 2190 people living in Lackagh Parish. All were Catholic and there was a church and a school in the area. At one time the parish was split into five different sections, each with its own church. One of these smaller sections was based at Grange, and the remains of old churches can still be seen. These remains date from at least the early 16th century.
The People of Lackagh
By 1841 the population of the parish of Lackagh had reached about 4000, with an area of 16,789 acres owned by the landlords of the time. The Rabbit family was one of about 465 families residing in the parish, normally leasing between 5 and 26 acres from the landlord. The rent for the use of the land was about a pound per acre per year.
In 1841 there were 117 cottiers living in the parish. Cottiers rented between 1 to 5 acres on a yearly basis. They were at the mercy of the landlords and could be evicted quickly if the rent was nor forthcoming.
There was also the labourer classwho depended solely on the seasonal work offered by tenants and cottiers. They did not have the exclusive use of any land and had to pay rent for the ground on which their cabin was built.
At the time the land was almost exclusively used for the growing of potatoes and during the good months after the harvest there might be three meals a day. The menu consisted of potatoes, potatoes, and more potatoes, and this might be supplemented with buttermilk. The spectre of famine was never far away.
The Great Famine:
In 1845 the scourge of the Irish potato blight arrived almost overnight and the Great Famine began. The famine was to cause the deaths of two thousand people in Lackagh parish; nearly half the population. The parents of the brothers’ who came to New Zealand, lived in the Lackagh area through the years of the famine and suffered the awful hardships.By 1846 many in the parish were on the verge of starvation. The famine lasted from 1845 until 1850 and the birth rate in the Lackagh area dropped dramatically;
For example;
in 1843; 126 births were registered.
in 1849; 10 births were registered.
Many babies born during the famine did not survive and their birth was not registered. In Grange West, which was a district very adjacent to that where the Rabbitt family is known to have lived, a 92% decrease in population was recorded during the famine years. By 1851 the worst ravages of the famine were over, but it had left a trail of horror and destruction. From 1851 there was a slow recovery, and birth rates again began to increase.
By 1879/80 as memories of the great famine were beginning to fade, three successive years of bad crops for the tenants sounded warnings of imminent famine. Older people still had memories of the awful years of the 1840's and wondered if they would have to go through that again. Fortunately for the people of Lackagh, the Rabbitt family among them, the 1879/80 return of the potato blight was not as severe, and the impact not as terrible, as thirty five years earlier.
Family letters written from Ireland in the 1880's, to the first of the brothers to settle in New Zealand, clearly give the home address of Grange East. In the next map of the Lackagh Parish, produced about 1901, the district of Grange East is clearly identified.
Picture of Townlands of Lackagh Parish
From the 1855 List of Landlords:
The 1855 List of Landlords records the Rabbitte family name among the tenants in the Grange East area. By this time their landlord was Rev. Lord Fitzgerald and Vesey who was the owner of 1831 acres, 3 roods, and 27 perches, in the Grange East area.
Below is the list of the tenants who lived and worked on this land. The name of William Rabbitte will be noted as appearing on the list on four occasions, although it appears for three of the listsings he is sharing the tenancy with others. The letters beside the entries seem to indicate; L=Land; H=House; O=Other. This indicates the land worked by the Rabbitte family was in separated fields, rather than in adjourning fields. This was common practise among the tenants of the time, and could cause disputes about who had the right to work the land.
A = Acres, R = Roods, P = Perches
The 1855 List of Landlords
The 1855 List of Landlords records the Rabbitte family name among the tenants in the Grange East area. By this time their landlord was Rev. Lord Fitzgerald and Vesey who was the owner of 1831 acres, 3 roods, and 27 perches, in the Grange East area.
Below is the list of the tenants who lived and worked on this land. The name of William Rabbitte will be noted as appearing on the list on four occasions, although it appears for three of the listsings he is sharing the tenancy with others. The letters beside the entries seem to indicate; L=Land; H=House; O=Other. This indicates the land worked by the Rabbitte family was in separated fields, rather than in adjourning fields. This was common practise among the tenants of the time, and could cause disputes about who had the right to work the land.
A = Acres, R = Roods, P = Perches
The 1855 List of Landlords
The 1901 Census for Grange East
The earliest surviving complete Irish Census records are those taken in 1901. Taken in April 1901, the census shows Grange East as a village of 103 people, - 52 male and 51 female. They were mostly farmers and all were Catholic. There were 16 houses, 15 stables, 11 cowhouses, 16 piggeries, 8 fowl houses, 15 barns and 17 sheds – a total of 82 out-houses. In the main the houses had three rooms, with a thatched roof, and they had three windows in the front.
By 1901, the landlord system of land ownership had collapsed and families in the area now owned their houses and the land they worked on. The family names in the Grange area were; Rabbit, Dempsey, O’Brien, McGrath, Feeney, Costello, Fahey, Culkin, Diviney, Kavanagh, Monaghan, Crosby, Clarke, and Hanly. Unofficial parish records from the 1850’s also show many of the same names, living in the Grange area at that time.
The 1911 Census for Grange East
The next census was taken in April 1911 and records Grange East, as a village of 16 houses. There were 87 people included in the census, - 46 male, and 41 female. The family names included in the 1911 census are identical to those in the 1911 census. Remarkably no new families had moved into the area, and no families moved away. Early letters from the Rabbit family in Ireland indicate the Grange community was a close knit one. It seems that at this time the only reason family names ceased to exist in an area where they had been established, was because they actually died out.
What was life like in Lackagh in the 1849 – 1860’s?
There is an excellent publication entitled "The Parish of Lackagh, Turloughmore" which describes some of the history of the area and the names of some of the early families in the area. The Rabbitt family name features prominently among the early residents of the district. To help convey a little of the lifestyle and conditions of those times, the following extract from the book is included here.
"Let us pull back the curtain veiling the past just a little and have a look at the rural scene and lifestyle of our ancestors of over one hundred and fifty years ago. The population lived on the land but did not own much of it. Landlords resident and absentee were the owners, and about half a dozen of this class held most of the land and counted their acres in thousands.
Housing was not in bungalows but in bothans, with 2 or 3 little rooms thatched with rushes or whatever could be found, one door, earthen floors and very little furniture. The father and sometimes older sons in the house worked for the landlord and most of the wages went to pay the rent. He was usually only paid once a year. The usual practice with the landlord was to group the peasants on bad land and keep the good land for his own use.
Transport was mostly on foot or maybe ass and cart for our ancestors. Going to mass in Lackagh would have been the only outing in any week for many. Babies only got one name, usually names were Mary, Brigid, Honor or Margaret for the girls, and Pat, John, Thomas, Martin or Michael for the boys.
The interior of the old two or three room thatched houses was plain and frugal. There was always a half door to keep the hens out and the children in. Women cooked on the open fire. Food was plain and simple and based on potatoes or flour. There was "Calley" made from mashed new potatoes and scallions. This was piled on plates and a well dug in the middle for a spoon full of home made butter, and you weren't hungry for the rest of the day. Our grandmothers bought very little food. Home grown wheat was ground into wholemeal at local mills. All butter was made at home.
Children knew Christmas was drawing near when the currants and raisins came in the shopping basket. It was the only time of the year when the housewife bought that kind of luxury. Sweets and biscuits made their appearance at Easter. A pig was killed once a year and it had to last for the whole year. Women worked very hard; as well as bearing children they carried water from the nearest well, saved the turf, and always milked the cow. Washing was done in a tub rubbing clothes up and down a washboard - how did they ever get those heavy woollens dry?
Leisure time for our grandmothers of long ago was spent knitting for the family, darning, sewing and patching while sitting by the big open fire. They also visited one another frequently for card playing, singing songs and a bit of music and dancing."
