Lismore

This name is of Scottish locational origin from Lismore island situated between Oban and Mull on the west coast. The name derives from the Gaelic "lios", translating variously as "enclosed ground of an ancient settlement", "ring-fort" or "fairy mound", plus the adjective "mor" meaning "big". The name may also be topographic for one dwelling by one of these features. There is also a place called Lismore in southern Ireland (Co. Waterford). However locationally derived surnames are uncommon in Ireland. In the "modern" idiom the name is spelt Lismore, Lisamore and Lissimore. On August 12th 1843 Henry Lismore and Clementia Philip were married in Dunfermline, Fife. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Elizabeth Lesmore, daughter of John and Katherine. which was dated February 2nd 1685, christened in St. Martin in the Fields, Westminster. during the reign of King Charles 11, known as "The merry Monarch" 1660 - 1685. 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.