When I first began researching, I searched the ScotlandsPeople database by entering my surname with a broad date range encompassing all parishes in Midlothian which resulted in hundreds of results. There are 30 results on each page, and payment is required to view each page of indices. You can see how it is an expensive process to research online, and why I only pursued my direct family line.
I am substituting the name Smith in all references.
In 1778 there were two sons born and named James Smith, each to a different family. I’m not going into detail of how I proceeded from this point as I want to focus on the usefulness of traditional naming patterns.
I uncovered that James, who was born in 1725 had two sons: John born in 1749 and Alexander born in 1755. Both of these brothers married and named their sons, James, both of whom were born in February 1778. Confused yet?
Knowing that naming traditions of the time were strictly followed, and the first born son was usually named after the father’s father, I searched for offspring for both James and discovered that James born February 8th 1778 named his first son Alexander. Therefore, 1755 Alexander/1778 James/1808 Alexander. (This information was later confirmed by birth documents.)
Traditional naming traditions can be an extremely useful tool. See the complete list of naming traditions under the Birth tab of this website.
I am substituting the name Smith in all references.
In 1778 there were two sons born and named James Smith, each to a different family. I’m not going into detail of how I proceeded from this point as I want to focus on the usefulness of traditional naming patterns.
I uncovered that James, who was born in 1725 had two sons: John born in 1749 and Alexander born in 1755. Both of these brothers married and named their sons, James, both of whom were born in February 1778. Confused yet?
Knowing that naming traditions of the time were strictly followed, and the first born son was usually named after the father’s father, I searched for offspring for both James and discovered that James born February 8th 1778 named his first son Alexander. Therefore, 1755 Alexander/1778 James/1808 Alexander. (This information was later confirmed by birth documents.)
Traditional naming traditions can be an extremely useful tool. See the complete list of naming traditions under the Birth tab of this website.