In compiling one's genealogy, surnames...
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Object:
In compiling one's genealogy, surnames are given the most attention. However, as Angus
Baxter comments in In Search of Your British and Irish Roots, one should never
overlook the importance of given names. Baxter found the following pattern of names in
England from about 1700-1875:
* The first son was named after the father's father.
* The first daughter after the mother's mother.
* The second son was named after the mother's father.
* The second daughter after the father's mother.
* The third son was named after the father.
* The third daughter after the mother.
* The fourth son was named after the father's eldest brother.
* The fourth daughter after the mother's eldest sister.
Patterns such as these, and other patterns in given names can be invaluable when searching genealogical records.
God has redeemed us, given us a name: We belong to God. That makes ours a special genealogy!
* The first son was named after the father's father.
* The first daughter after the mother's mother.
* The second son was named after the mother's father.
* The second daughter after the father's mother.
* The third son was named after the father.
* The third daughter after the mother.
* The fourth son was named after the father's eldest brother.
* The fourth daughter after the mother's eldest sister.
Patterns such as these, and other patterns in given names can be invaluable when searching genealogical records.
God has redeemed us, given us a name: We belong to God. That makes ours a special genealogy!
