Forrestal (surname)

Forrestal or Forristal (Irish: Ó Fuireastal) is an ancient Irish surname from the southeast of Ireland, and still exists today primarily in the counties of Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford.

The Forrestal Irish Coat of Arms

Alternate spellings

The name has been spelled in many different forms, all of which are related to the same family including; Forristal, Forrestal, Forristal, Forestal, Forrestall, Foristal, and in medieval times, Forstall (a name still used in present-day Louisiana). Forestell is a variation found in Canada. Also, in Gaelic Irish as Ó Fuireastal (pronounced Furristhawl), Mac Fuireastal, Mac Coillte, Ó Coillte, and Mac An Choill.[1]

History and ancestry

The Forristals were rooted in Glenmore parish, County Kilkenny, where they held several castles, some of which were located at Forristalstown, Carrickcloney and Mullenahone.[2]

Celtic high crosses near Forristalstown in Glenmore Parish, Co. Kilkenny, where the Forrestal family originates.

The family is listed in the medieval records of Kilkenny, Wexford, and Waterford. They are shown aligning themselves through marriage with the Catholic nobility of Ireland through marriage alliances with the FitzGeralds, Aylwards, Cantwells, O'Bolgers, Butlers of Ormond and O'Kennedys, which through these marriages they share common ancestors and bloodlines. [3] Many of the modern day Forrestals descend from these noble unions.

The family motto, "In corda inimicorum regis", is likely taken from the Latin Vulgate's rendering of Psalm 45:5, and means "in the hearts of the king's enemies." In modern translation, the full verse is: "Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet" (New International Version).[4]


People

References
  1. "Forrestal households in mid-19th century Ireland". Retrieved 1 May 2016.
  2. "The Forrestall Family Early Documented History". Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  3. Memorials of The Forstall Family. Genealogical Office, Dublin, Ireland: Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. 26 November 1999. pp. 439–444.
  4. https://biblehub.com/vul/psalms/45.htm


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