The earliest spelling (from the Escheated Counties Map of 1609) has 'Aghadromsillagh' and that the representation of the final element as '-sillagh' (with variations) is pretty universal in these 17th century versions (mainly taken from the Ulster Inquisitions).
The third last version (in Latin) says 'Aghi-Dromsilla cognoscitur per nomen de Aghadromsy', i.e. 'Aghi-
Dromsilla known by the name of Aghadromsy', suggesting that by that time 'Aghadromsy' had come to be used as a shortened form of the original place-name.
The evidence is therefore overwhelming in favour of 'Achadh Droim Saileach', i.e. 'field of the ridge of the sally trees'.
References to Historical Evidence
| Old Form |
Page Reference |
Date
|
| Aghadromsillagh 1 & a third tat. (Jas I J.Sedborough) |
Car.1 $55 col.a |
1613?
|
| Aghadromsilloughe (tenant Clynton Mawnd) |
Car.I $55 col.c |
1641?
|
| Aghdromsillagh |
Esch. Co. Mapo |
1609
|
| Aghdromsillagh 1 & third tate ( Sedborough manor) |
257a |
1613
|
| Aghe-Dromsyllaghe (Sudborroughe Edw' Sipthorpe) |
Car.I $55 col.b |
1613?
|
| Agherdromsilloughe (in poss' R.Allen & F.Teate) |
Car.I $55 col.b |
1641?
|
| Aghi-Dromsilla cognoscitur per nomen de Aghadromsy |
Car.I $55 col.c |
1641?
|
| Ahadromsyllaghe (Sudborroughe Hug' McArt Maguire) |
Car.I $55 col.a |
1613?
|
| Ashdrumsie |
Census |
1659
|
With regard to other interpretations of place-names they are often unreliable, not being based on the kind of historical evidence which we have to hand on our database. In some cases they seem to be taken from John O'Donovan's interpretations in the Ordnance Survey Name Books which, admirable as they are, are not based on the historical evidence which is now available.