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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Wigtownshire => Topic started by: ankerdine on Saturday 10 March 07 22:01 GMT (UK)
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My grandmother's birth certificate states: Helen Mann Williamson born 1883 to Jane Williamson (mother) illegitimate. Can anyone suggest what the MANN might mean?
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Hi there
It could very well be the surname of the child's father. This was a fairly common practice. Sometimes the mother went on to marry the father and the child then used the registered middle name as the Surname.
Or it could be the maiden surname of the mother's mother, etc - a family name carried down.
Have you found Helen and her mother on the 1891 Census? Or Jane's background to try find the MANN surname coming in her way?
Cheers
AMBLY
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Hi Ambly
Thanks for the reply. Yes, I thought it could have been the father's name. That names does not occur in Jane's family before this time. My grandmother's sister, Mary, born 1880 was also down as illegitimate on her birth certificate but no middle name was mentioned.
Jane had moved to Staffordshire on the 1891 census and all the family then have the surname Blair. She presumably married my gt. grandfather somewhere along the line and he must have cared for the family.
Do you know anything about the Poor Relief in Stranraer at this time and whether it is recorded anywhere please?
Regards
Ankerdine