Throughout my research, nothing has been more confusing and confounding than finding multiple people with the same names in the same areas. But, in the same ways that this can be a curse, it can also be a blessing, if you know what to look for. Knowing naming patterns can be a tool in genealogical research as it can reveal clues about other family members when and if you get stuck at a brick wall. You should note, however, that a naming pattern is not a solid and cement rule, and not all families followed them to the letter or even at all. You should never rely on naming patterns as singular proof of an ancestor’s lineage; always look for other sources of proof.
With a little research, you can find naming “rules” for just about any tradition or ethnicity you want to find. For the purpose of this post, I have concentrated on the English and Irish, as the bulk of my research originates there. In the English tradition of the 1700-1800’s, the naming pattern for sons would be as follows:
- 1st son after the father’s father
- 2nd son after the mother’s father
- 3rd son after the father
- 4th son after the father’s eldest brother
- 5th son after the mother’s eldest brother
The naming pattern for daughters would be as follows:
- 1st daughter after the mother’s mother
- 2nd daughter after the father’s mother
- 3rd daughter after the mother
- 4th daughter after the mother’s eldest sister
- 5th daughter after the father’s eldest sister
It was very common to see a name reused if a child died as an infant or while young. I see this very frequently.
There is little difference in English and Irish naming patterns. A common practice would be to include the mother’s maiden name, likely as a middle name or hyphenated surname.