Family History
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Given Names
In the past it was more common to name children after
family. Honor was typically given first to grandparents.
The family might choose to name the 1st daughter and son after one side
(maternal or paternal), and continue with the 2nd daughter and son after the
other. And instead of honoring parents third, a great grandparent or sibling
might be selected.
Common British and Irish Naming Conventions
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The following naming convention was widely used by Irish and British families in
the mid-nineteenth century;-
The first son was named after the father's father.
The second son after the mother's father.
The third son was named after the father.
The fourth son was named after the father's eldest brother.
The first daughter was named after the mother's mother.
The second daughter was named after the father's mother.
The third daughter was named after the mother.
The fourth daughter was named after the mother's eldest sister.
Knowing this convention may well help you follow your lines of descendency.
Defining Cousins
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