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Archiver > ROOTS > 2007-03 > 1173076763


From: "Gordon A. Watts" <>
Subject: Re: [ROOTS-L] Middle names: the genesis and use of them?
Date: Sun, 4 Mar 2007 22:39:23 -0800
References: <20070303081322.6B1E9594469@elm.usgennet.net>


Greetings All.

Some years ago I asked the question about why so many in earlier years were
known by their second name. The response I received may or may not have
some validity, but it explained in part why in many families siblings of the
same sex had the same first name, but had and were known by their second
name. For example, male siblings might be called Jean George and Jean
Christopher while female sibling might be Mary (Marie) Elizabeth or Mary
(Marie) Christina. I might add that in the times I refer to, people in
general may have been more religious than many of us are today.

In any case, the idea was that people would be known by their family,
friends and themselves by their second name. As such they would normally
respond when called by their second name. When the Devil came calling he
would know only the first name and would call for the individuals using the
first name. Being used to responding only to their second name, when
hearing their first name the individual would not respond to the call of the
Devil.

Valid explanation or not? Your guess is as good as mine. It does however
have a certain logic and believability to it.

Have a great day!

Gordon A. Watts
Co-chair, Canada Census Committee
Port Coquitlam, British Columbia

Read my column, 'Gordon Watts Reports' at
http://globalgenealogy.com/globalgazette/authors/authgw.htm


----- Original Message -----
From: "Scott R. C. Anderson" <>
To: <>
Sent: Saturday, March 03, 2007 12:13 AM
Subject: Re: [ROOTS-L] Middle names: the genesis and use of them?


> Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2007 15:29:51 -0800 (PST)
> From: Rita Gibson <>
>
> I know I've seen writings on the use of surnames, and also for
> naming patterns, but I don't remember seeing anything on how we
> came about using middle names. Does anyone know why and how and
> when? Thanks in advance! ~ Rita

Hi, Rita,

I gave my observations on this subject a month or so ago, and you can find
them here:

http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/read/ROOTS/2007-01/1170048609

Others in that thread had some other ideas, too.

Scott R. C. Anderson




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