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From: "Ron Lankshear \(Sydney Aust\)" <>
Subject: Re: [Lon] Origin of nee
Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2003 16:22:21 +1000
References: <000a01c39135$28e81b20$6500a8c0@DI640>


I think the answer requires a discussion of the origins of static surnames
and the custom of women taking the husband's surname as theirs - this is way
in "English" (Western) culture - this was/is not the custom in Scotland and
many other cultures.

Normally said that surname usage started in England in The Middle Ages
It seems to be that many Normans were using surnames of a sort from the time
of the 1066 invasion. Norman culture appears to be more male orientated that
the preceding Saxon.

The fact that "nee" is French leads me to conclude that the Normans well at
least the French speaking aristocracy started the usage. Probably assisted
with understanding confused coat of arms.

I find nee very useful when I do not know the surname of an "ancestor"
marrying into my family - whose first name I usually know - I update my
gedcom with Elizabeth LANKSHEAR (nee Unknown) because I think it more
meaningful that a plain Elizabeth Unknown or the confusing Elizabeth Doe.

I have googled around and looked at encyclopaedia's but nothing is clear so
I await other input with much interest
Ron Lankshear - Sydney Aust
(from Shepherds Bush & Chiswick)
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~lankshear/
has my family BUT also try the genealogy links and suggestions and EAGLE/S
data
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken Boyce" <>
To: <>
Sent: Monday, October 13, 2003 12:53 PM
Subject: [Lon] Origin of nee


> Anyone care to take a stab at explaining how the use of "nee" came
about. - and I know it is of French origin meaning birth
>
> Ken Boyce


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