No naming pattern in this part of Scotland!

[Valzie]

Neither what we think of as the traditional Scottish naming pattern (first son named after paternal grandfather, second after maternal grandfather, third after father; and feminine equivalent with the daughters) nor the simpler habit of naming the first son after the father applies in this area, at least in the nineteenth century. Even when the father had a relatively unusual name like Moses or Gilbert, there may not have been a single son bearing his name. That, at least, is my experience. Will be interested to know if others share it.

 

[Alexander Bisset]

Aberdeenshire is similarly devoid of naming patterns like that. Closest is eldest son after father.

 

[Valzie]

So is Wigtownshire. In Angus (or Forfarshire), in the 18th and 19th centuries, the eldest son was sometimes, but not always, named after the father.

 

[Alexander Bisset]

Forfarshire never really existed it is an anglicization. Similar abominations are Haddingtonshire and Fifeshire. The adding of shire is a very English practice sadly some records are recorded under such meaningless abominations.

 

[Valzie]

"Shire" indeed always strikes a false note north of the border: it's a fine, ancient word, but very English. I suppose we should be thankful no-one has so far stuck it onto Midlothian... But anything could happen now that we are to be subjected to Ancestry's New Search, especially designed, it appears, for people who can't tell the difference between a country, a town and a county (or shire). Why else would Scotland be listed on a par with Scotland, S. Dakota; Scotland, Texas; and Scotland County, Arkansas?

 

[Tim]

"Shire" indeed always strikes a false note north of the border: it's a fine, ancient word, but very English.

English? It didn't come from Middle Earth then?