The Five Marys: A Family Ranch and the Story Behind a Unique Naming Tradition
In Fort Jones, California, the Heffernan family has built a life centered around their ranch, Five Marys, and a tradition of honoring strong female figures through a shared first name. Mary and Brian Heffernan’s decision to name all four of their daughters Mary has garnered attention, sparking both curiosity and criticism, but remains a deeply meaningful practice for the family.
A Legacy of Marys
The story behind the repeated first name stems from a long-standing family tradition. Both the Heffernans’ mothers’ and fathers’ families have a history of strong Catholic women named Mary. When their first daughter was born, they named her after Brian’s grandmother, who had recently passed away. This set the stage for a continuing tribute with each subsequent daughter.
Unexpectedly, All Girls
Initially, the Heffernans anticipated a mix of genders. Mary Heffernan shared that they hadn’t considered the possibility of having four daughters. “To be honest, it never occurred to us that all our children could be girls. But once we started, there was no going back,” she explained. Remarkably, they chose not to discover the gender of their babies during pregnancy, leading to a surprise with each birth.
Distinguishing the Five Marys
To avoid confusion, each Mary has a unique middle name and nickname. The daughters are Mary Frances (“Francie”), Mary Marjorie (“Maisie”), Mary Jane (“Janie”), and Mary Teresa (“Tessa”). This allows them to maintain their individual identities while still honoring the family tradition.
From Restaurants to Ranching
Before establishing Five Marys Ranch, Mary and Brian Heffernan owned restaurants. Their search for high-quality, ethically raised meats led them to the decision to start their own ranch in 2013. They sought superior beef with a grass-fed lifestyle and extended dry-age process, and humane harvesting practices. Unable to locate a supplier meeting their standards, they embarked on ranching full-time.
Five Marys Ranch Today
Five Marys Ranch has grown into a family-operated business encompassing a ranch, retail store, and restaurant. They raise all-natural beef, pork, and lamb, shipping directly to customers nationwide. They also produce skincare products using beef tallow and serve their own meats at their on-site restaurant. The ranch is a central part of the family’s lifestyle, with all the daughters actively involved in its daily operations.
Addressing Criticism
The Heffernans have faced criticism online regarding their naming choice, but remain steadfast in their decision. Mary Heffernan dismisses the negativity, emphasizing that her daughters love their names and that’s what truly matters. She believes the name Mary represents humility, constancy, and strength, and serves as a foundation for their family.
A Family Tradition Continues
The name “Five Marys” extends beyond the daughters themselves, becoming the name of their ranch and a symbol of their family’s values. The Heffernans are committed to preserving their tradition and raising their daughters with a strong sense of self and a connection to their family history.