Primrose as a male name

[Humboldt]

Primrose Bell Thompson was my 3Xgreatgrandmother's(Mary Thompson) brother.  His parents were John Thompson and Margaret Bell, married 3 Feb 1812 in St Nicholas, Aberdeen. The name Primrose(applied to males) was carried on through the generations.  The last one known to me is my great grandmother's brother, Primrose Gerrie, who died in infancy.  Is there anyone else who has run into this name used for a male?

Hello, I just stumbled upon the site when I searched for this name. The Primrose Bell Thomson who died in 1950 was my maternal grandfather. He was a master plumber who had a son (my uncle) also called Primrose Bell Thomson who has since died and with him the name. My grandfather's family lived at 110 Hutcheon Street Aberdeen. Primrose Bell, as male Christian names, seems to go back to the early 19th century. What I'd like to know is why was the 1st born male Thomson child for generations ever given this name? I don't suppose I will ever know. My brother is currently working on our family tree.

[lawrenceb]

Hi, good to meet up with you.  I saw the plumbing company and was sure they had to be related to us.  Is your brother on rootschat too?

[Redroger]

I wonder if there is any sort of connection here? The History of Boston (Lincs) published 1856 was written by one Pishey Thompson! It has been suggested that Pishey was a familiar version of Peachey.

[Humboldt]

Hi, good to meet up with you.  I saw the plumbing company and was sure they had to be related to us.  Is your brother on rootschat too?

No he's not on Roots. We must be distant cousins. Do you still have family living in Aberdeen?

[Deb D]

I believe too that Florence is used as a male name in Ireland, and also understand that sometimes in the Catholic faith male saints are given the name Mary!

An Austrian example; - Klaus-Maria Brandauer, the actor

[portybelle]

On the war memorial at Leith Primary School in Edinburgh there is a Primrose. Can't remember the surname but the children did a big project about him. So must have been used as a first name in Edinburgh too.

[Humboldt]

That's interesting to learn that Primrose has been used a male forename elsewhere.

[MonicaL]

A good place to check on whethere a first name is rare or not that common is on IGI here www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/frameset_search.asp?PAGE=igi/search_IGI.asp&clear_form=true

From the search screen, just put in first name of Primrose and no surname. Then British Isles and followed by Scotland and click search. There are certainly entries showing for the first name/male, either for births or christenings.

See also www.whatsinaname.net/male-names/Primrose.html

Monica 

[lawrenceb]

Thank you Monica, I shall have a look!