English Naming Patterns in the 18th & 19th Centuries in Ireland and England
During the 18th century, the basic pattern of naming children was used for many English-speaking families. This was also common with many Irish families, although they didn't always adhere strictly to this.
The pattern was that the first-born male was normally named after the father's father, whereas the second-born male was named after the mother's father. Below is the pattern:
1st son . . . . . . . Father's father
2nd Son. . . . . . . . . Mother's father
3rd Son . . . . . . . . . . Father
4th Son . . . . . . . . . . .Father's eldest brother
1st Daughter . . . . . .Mother's Mother
2nd Daughter. . . . . . Father's Mother
3rd Daughter. . . . . . . . Mother
4th Daughter . . . . . . . Mother's Eldest Sister
and so on.
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