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Scottish surname change

ProfilePosted byOptionsPost Date

Katrinna

Katrinna Report 31 Mar 2008 14:30

A few of my scottish ancestors have baffled me.

James Shanks was born James Shanks but when he got married in 1861 his name is on the marraige certificate as James Cruickshanks. His dad has even signed the certificate as Alexander Cruickshanks but he too was born a Shanks.

Why would they add Cruick?

All records going back from there are Shanks.

Another of his sons has changed his name to Cruickshanks on his marriage certificate.

Anyone have an explanation?

MarionfromScotland

MarionfromScotland Report 31 Mar 2008 14:34

Maybe it was easier to say their name was Shanks,as some could not read or write.

Marion

Alistair

Alistair Report 31 Mar 2008 15:58

Shanks is probably a contraction of Cruikshanks (bandy-legged).

Alistair