Hi - The origins of Corjeag seem pretty clear thanks to land records. A farm in Kirk Michael where the family lived from at least 1513 (tenant John McQuartag) is still occupied by a descendant. The origin of the name is the Norse forename Svart-eygr - "Black-eye", withg the Gaelic "Mac" in front. The name had been corrupted to Corjaige by 1611.

One branch of the family Englished their name to Cavendish. I saw one of that branch out on St. Stephen's day dancing the Hunt the Wren. It was thought "Curjeig" was translated Almsdish - and hence the English Cavendish was adopted. (?)

If you are descended like so many others from the Corjeags of Ballonney we could exchange data.

All the best for your researches in 2003.