Roots & Branches

According to Wikipedia the meaning of the word patronymics is:

A patronym, or patronymic, is a component of a personal name based on the name of one’s father, grandfather or an even earlier male ancestor. A component of a name based on the name of one’s mother or a female ancestor is a matronym. Each is a means of conveying lineage.  In many areas patronyms predate the use of family names. They are common as middle names in Russia, and in Iceland surnames are an exception, with the law in favour of patronyms (or more recently, matronyms).

Many Celtic, English, Iberian, Scandinavian and Slavic surnames originate from patronyms, e.g. Wilson (son of William), Powell (from “ap Hywel“), Fernández (son of Fernando), Rodríguez (son of Rodrigo), Carlsson (son of Carl), Stefanović (son of Stefan) and O’Connor (from “Ó Conchobhair”, meaning grandson/descendant of Conchobhar). Similarly, other cultures which formerly used patronyms have since switched to the more widespread style of passing the father’s last name to the children (and wife) as their own.

Patronyms can simplify or complicate genealogical research. A father’s first name is easily determinable when his children have a patronym; however, migration has frequently resulted in a switch from a patronymic to a family name due to different local customs. Most immigrants adapt as soon as birth, marriage, and death certificates must be written. Depending on the countries concerned, family research in the nineteenth century or earlier needs to take this into account.

A good set of examples are given in the book

“Secrets of Tracing Your Ancestors” by W. Daniel Quillen.

Excerpt:

The Irish had their own form of patronymics recognized the world over.  Prefixes such as Mc or Mac were used to signify the son of: McDonnell was therefore the son of Donnell.  Another prefix was the O’ which meant “descended from”, and a grandson or great grandson might use such a prefix.  Occasionally the English passed laws to annoy the Irish (actually they were trying to assimilate them into English culture).  One such law forbade the use of the patronymics O’ and Mc.  At that time, the patronymic fitz replaced Mc for son of: Fitzmorris then meant the son of Morris.

Almost as prevalent as Irish patronymics are Scandinavian patronymics.  I suppose we all know more than our fair share of individuals, with surnames like Anderson (Ander’s son) and Johnson (John’s son).  For centuries Scandinavians employed this naming scheme, and until surnames became common (in the late 1700’s or early 1800’s depending on the location), the names changed from generation to generation.

Jewish culture also has its patronymics.  You will occasionally see the name ben used to designate the son of, as in David ben Joseph (David, the son of Joseph).  Certain Jewish groups also used patronymics to honor living grandparents, and there was a specific order used to designate names.  The first-born son was often named after his paternal grandfather, and his brother (the second son) was named after his maternal grandfather.  They used this practice for their daughters too: first-born daughters were given the name of their paternal grandmother and second-born daughters received the names of their maternal grandmother.  This method of, naming was especially popular with Sephardic Jews.

Be sure to check out the book to read more about this subject and many others.

On a personal note, this book is one that would be a great addition to your collection or an appreciated gift for anyone working on family history.

Happy diggin’!

October is Family History.  This is a great time to sit down with family and review what you have found.  Share a picture of Grandma Jackson or military records from Uncle Bud. As you are visiting with family simply mention that it is Family History Month and if they have the time and interest you would be happy to give them a tour back in time.

To me what is the use of doing all the work of researching and gathering if you place it in a box and put it in the closet?  I know people that do this.  Once they find the information, that is it, into the box and it was forgotten.  For me that just seems sad.  Whenever I get the chance I try to bring the family history to life, I do.  One simple trick to reel the interest in is to send an email or post on Facebook, some tidbit of information or an interesting picture.  This usually peaks their curiosity they want more.

Sharing is one of my favorite things in life.  Many times, my children or several of our nieces and nephews didn’t show interest when they were younger.  As time pasts I would mention little things that I felt they might be interested in. Now every-so-often here they all come.  I am now the “storyteller”.  This is a title I gladly accept.

On my husband’s side of the family, his Grandpa G. grew up in a town a few hours away.  The family owned a ranch and luckily there are some great old pictures of the ranch and all the people there.  In some local history books the family is mentioned.  Grandpa G. was a great guy and lived a colorful life.  Once we get to talking family history at Family Reunions the stories start to flow.  As a young man he traded with the Shoshone Indians and Chief Washakie at the local country store. My boys thought this was so cool.   Grandpa G and his family had a family band that toured the local area and played for dances of all types. The older generation loves to talk about the fun they had and all the instruments they could play.

Just think of the fun it would be to tell the younger generation all about you family.

Keep the ancestors alive….Share.