Naming children tradition Scotland

[FRUITSNUTS]

Have been trying to find link to James McDonald who immigrated to Canada around 1830 from Aberlour Scotland.  His children are named (in order of birth) Elizabeth, Margaret, James, Mary, Isabella, Peter, Catherine and Anne Jane.  Does the way he named his children indicate the name of his parents?  His wife was named Catherine and her mother's name was Elizabeth.  I did find an O.P.R. that might fit - James born to James McDonald and Margaret McKerron alias Grant. (whatever "alias" means?).

Would appreciate any help!

[c-side]

Under standard naming tradition I would expect that his parents were named James and Margaret and her's were Elizabeth and Peter.

The alias just means that she has been known by both surnames.  Possibly one she was born with and the second belonging to a stepfather.

Christine

[Wiggy]

Someone sent me this which might be of assistance - doesn't always hold true but better than nothing!!    It has been both helpful in some cases and confusing in others for me.

The main thing I have to keep remembering is that the person I am seeking may not be the eldest in the family - if they are not then you may go off looking for a George when George's older brother was a David, or Thomas or . . . - you get the picture.  but if you have all the children listed then this might unravel a few things

Wiggy   

[FRUITSNUTS]

Thank you both so much for your reply.  One other question - when I look for a birth record for Margaret do I look for Margaret Grant or Margaret McKerron?  I have attached the O.P.R. (I hope).  It is a bit hard to read and I don't recognize the towns listed.  Any suggestions?

[Wiggy]

Don't know the answer to which name, but I'd say start with Grant as that is what she is listed as in James record - then when you can't find her, try the other name - interesting that the witness is James McKerron Grant.   

Wiggy   

Edit to add;   I don't know Scottish Geography well so might be leading you astray but I see Aberlour is in Moray and there is a 'Ruthven' ??  in Highlands which isn't toooo far away from Aberlour.    Can't pick up the other names but last one might start with Knock....    The middle place looks like Rinnschat - but I can't find anything even close to that!!!!                                                                                                   
Sorry not much help there.   

[FRUITSNUTS]

Thank you again!  I didn't recognize the first letter in "knock", but now that you mention it, I found  Knockside which is just a few miles north of Aberlour town.  Not sure how that will help me, but every bit of information can always lead somewhere.  The name McKerron keeps popping up so must investigate that some more.

Thank you again

[sancti]

The baptism of your James may not have been recorded, especially with such a common name.

Did James marry in Canada?

When did he die and at what age?

Does his death record mention parents names?

Do any of his children have middle names that could give clues to his parentage?

[Wiggy]

Isn't that James record  -  #3 post??       

It's Margaret you are looking for isn't it??      I'm confused now! 

Wiggy   

[sancti]

To avoid duplication

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,506935.new/boardseen.html#new