Commonly known as...???

[Blakek]

I wonder if you can help 

What is known by the phrase 'Commonly known as...'?

I'm struggling researching one of my ancestors, as the Wroughton (in Wiltshire) parish records have some conflicting information.

The marriage record says 'Thomas Lovelock and Mary Carpenter both of this parish'. However the banns record says 'Thomas Lovelock and Mary Picket (commonly known as Carpenter)'.

I can't find a birth record for a Mary Carpenter or a Mary Picket (with links to Carpenter) in Wroughton. Her death record puts her DOB around 1758.

I have found a marriage between a William Carpenter and a Mary Picket but that is in 1751, so too early to be a first marriage.

I have also found a Mary Picket baseborn of Elizabeth Picket in 1754.

Is it possible that the illegitimate Mary was adopted by Mary and William Carpenter, which is why the marriage record says 'commonly known as...'. ? It's a phrase I have not come across in my research before.

Any advice would be gratefully appreciated.

Stay Safe 

[Ayashi]

To be honest, there are multiple reasons why someone would have two names, not least:

- Illegitimate, changing between mother's surname and father's surname
- Illegitimate and mother marries
- Legitimate but father changes between surnames
- Surname changed to avoid or encourage association (such as criminal history, debt or in hope of inheritance)
- The family used alias names (happens a lot in Cornwall, not come across alias use in Wiltshire personally)
- Adopted or fostered
- Previous marriage or relationship
- Because she wanted to

It might be difficult to determine 

[Rosinish]

What is known by the phrase 'Commonly known as...'?

In simple terms...any name used other than the birth name for whatever reason.

Annie

[Kiltpin]

Many people use a "trading name". "Jimmy Jones trading as Simon Smith", where there is already a Jones trading in that profession, or Jones bought the Smith company and the "good will" that goes with it.

Regards 

Chas
 

[Pheno]

Have you looked for a bastardy bond for Elizabeth Picket?  It may name the reputed father who might be a Carpenter.

Pheno

[Gan Yam]

I can't find a birth record for a Mary Carpenter or a Mary Picket (with links to Carpenter) in Wroughton. Her death record puts her DOB around 1758.

Could she have been born somewhere else, and the family moved or she moved to live with relatives for some reason or even for work?

[LizzieL]

Have you investigated the Thomas Carpenter who was a witness to the marriage?

[LizzieL]

Found a possible connection. a Thomas Carpenter married a Betty Pickett in Wroughton on or after 15 Dec 1757 (licence date). Is Betty the same as Elizabeth who had the illeg Mary?

[Blakek]

Wow! Thank you all for your replies - I'm overwhelmed at the responses.

LizzieL - I spotted the Thomas Carpenter signature and didn't think to investigate that. I think that must be the link. It definitely explains why she would be 'commonly known as Carpenter' and the relation to Elizabeth. Thank you for taking the time to look into this 

Thank you again. Stay safe everyone