Genealogy Chat

Does anybody know if it would have been possible for an illegitimate child to have been registered with the surname of the father?
Thanks,
Julia

Thank you Annie.

Julia

Am I correct in thinking that both parents names would be on the certificate?

Julia

My G/dad was illegitimate, there is no dads name on his B/C but because his Mum was a married lady my G/Dad had that surname

Until relatively recent years, ...Sorry I don't know exactly.... surnames have been 'implied' by the parents' names given on the certificate. There was no box / column for the actual surname of the child, as there is today.
Usually the child was known by the name of the father shown on the certificate, or if parents were unmarried, then the mother's surname at the time of the child's birth, whether she was married to someone else or not.
Her maiden name should always be shown, ie. her birth name.

If an illegitimate child was registered and shown on the index with his father's surname, there is every chance that the father was shown on the certificate.

Gwyn

If parents were unmarried and the father of the child was present when the child was registered then the father's name will appear on the birth certificate.

In this case you will find the child listed twice in the birth Index (with the same GRO reference number). The child will be listed in the mother's name and again in the father's name.

Hope this helps.

Cheers Gerry

Thank you all so much for your helpful replies.

Julia