From approximately 1700 to 1875, the naming convention for children born to
English speaking families often followed a pattern. Although the naming
convention does not always work, many children's first names originated from
their ancestors. For example, the 1st son was usually named
after the father's father.
ENGLISH NAMING PATTERNS 1700-1875;
1st son - named for paternal grandfather (i.e. father's father)
2nd son - maternal grandfather (i.e. mother's father)
3rd son - father or father's paternal grandfather
4th son - father's oldest brother or mother's paternal grandfather
5th son - mother's eldest brother or father's maternal grandfather
6th son - father's second oldest brother or mother's maternal grandfather
1st dau - maternal grandmother (i.e. mother's mother)
2nd dau - paternal grandmother (i.e. father's mother)
3rd dau - mother or mother's maternal grandmother
4th dau - mother's oldest sister or father's paternal grandmother
5th dau - father's eldest sister or mother's paternal grandmother
6th dau - mother's second oldest sister or father's paternal grandmother
