Most genealogists focus on where a family surname derived from, since records are indexed by surnames, and those names are the links in our genealogies. First and middle names are equally important.
Starting with yourself and your immediate relatives, do you know who you were named for?
In olden times, people often were named for famous people — popular presidents like Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson, military leaders like Zachary Taylor, or religious leaders like John Wesley, Francis Asbury and John Calvin.
Today, name origins are not so simple to identify. My name (actually my father’s name, since I am a junior) comes from my grandmother’s maiden name and, for a first name, her best friend’s husband in Charlotte. Grandmother named another son for the doctor and a minister. My Aunt Betty Jean was clearly named for her great-grandmother, Elizabeth J. Almond Sides.
So, make sure you have a family memo written up on who you and your immediate kin were named for, or start asking if you don’t know, and be sure your children know.
Some folks pass on names that really aren’t that old, as if they were family names, bypassing some good old family names. Lloyd Bockstruck of Dallas, noted genealogist and librarian, wrote a book, “The Name Is the Game: Onomatology and the Genealogist,” in which he compiled his thoughts and lectures on the subject of naming patterns, from different ethnic groups to lots of stories he has heard, such as nicknaming the seventh son “Doc.” Since my grandfather’s great-uncle was nicknamed Doc, I went back and checked, and sure enough he was the seventh child out of 15 his parents had.
The book is an interesting one and can be ordered through Genealogical Publishing Co. at genealogical.com or call 1-800-296-6687. They are the largest genealogical publishing house.
Mormon microfilm at public libraries
Some Georgia public libraries are affiliated with familysearch.org, and microfilm from that site can be ordered to be used at your local public library. Libraries in Athens, Augusta and Macon are three that are so affiliated. Check the website and for the Family History Center map.
Alabama cemetery group
The Alabama Cemetery Preservation Alliance (alabama-cemetery-preservation.com/welcome.lasso) lists cemetery coordinators by county. Contact that person directly for information on cemeteries there.
About the Author
