Unusual Middle name

[Suzy100]

One of my ancestors was named Emily 'Statham' Ricketts, has anyone else come across this name as a first name?  It just seems rather unusual? They come from Derbyshire, she was born 1863.  I can find it as a surname but not as a first/middle name.  Thanks

[AntonyMMM]

Usage of a name in that manner would usually indicate a surname in the maternal line... maybe her mother or grandmother's family surname.

[undautri]

Yes lots of my ancestors and my sister and aunt have surnames as middle names
 kath

[carol8353]

That is exactly how I got started on my family history about 30 years ago, my grandad's middle name was Mockridge,which I knew was his mother's maiden name,so I went from there.

That was back in the days before everything being online of course and I had to go on a monthly coach trip down to the Family Record centre in London to look at the records,both BMD's and census.

Carol

[ScouseBoy]

They can be a big boost  and help to locating ancestors.  Especially when they are rare   or close to being unique.

[jettejjane]

My dad on the left, has his mother's maiden name as middle name. William Jupp Redman, it is quite common for firstborn. He was very proud to be so named.

[Suzy100]

Great thanks everyone.  Really helpful and interesting. 

[jettejjane]

Great thanks everyone.  Really helpful and interesting. 

Nice to see you always happy to help.  we are near neighbours, I am West Sussex.

Jane 

[pinefamily]

And if the surname isn't immediately obvious, look further afield. I have one ancestor with the middle name taken from his aunt's husband. Or it could be from someone totally unrelated, but perhaps well known or notable in the area; I also have several Horatio Nelson's in my family tree, as first and middle names.