Personal naming patterns in Scotland, 1700 - 1800: a comparative study of the parishes of Beith, Dingwall, Earlston, and Govan

[摘要] This thesis investigates the personal naming patterns of 18th-century Scotland through a study of the parish records of Beith (North Ayrshire), Govan (Glasgow), Earlston (Berwickshire), and Dingwall (Ross & Cromarty) for the period 1700-1800. The primary aim was to analyse the widespread theory that Scottish children were traditionally named in a specific pattern: ‘the eldest son and second daughter were named after their paternal grandparents, the second son and eldest daughter after their maternal grandparents’ (Scots Ancestry Research Society) and this pattern was extended to incorporate further ancestors if more children were born to the family. A clear lack of research into Scottish naming patterns meant that this theory may be refuted.The project aimed to support or disprove the theory through a study of the name-stock, rates of parental naming, the role of godparents, and the practice of substitution, as well as examining those families where the pattern may potentially be most clearly observed. After analysis of over 24,000 records and 7,734 distinct families, no definite proof of the naming pattern being in practice was discovered. However, clear instances of families choosing not to follow the pattern were found. Therefore, the theory of a traditional Scottish naming pattern may have to be re-evaluated.

[发布机构] University:University of Glasgow;Department:School of Critical Studies

[关键词] personal names, naming patterns, Scottish names, 18th century Scotland