Genealogy Chat

original names? Most of America is chock full of placenames from England, starting with Plymouth and Washington (another place in County Durham, though borrowed indirectly) In England, after the California gold rush, California was a popular name for a stone quarry. Klondike became another popular name for holes in the ground, same rather sad joke

Hi Kim: Now THAT's odd (California, that is)! We have a Dublin in California; can't peple come up with original names? Guess they do though, as Dublin isn't too common in the States. :~)

Hi Everyone: Very interesting information! I checked out the website a bit -- now will be in my favourites; great site. Maz, I posted on the first names thread, which got me wondering again about the name. Thought I would ask, as someone always seems to be able to help. My Philadelphia was born around 1750, so she's just about right, time wise (just saw your message on that thread). Thank you all for your information, I really appreciate it! Amanda: Did you have any Heasman's in Shipley, Sussex? I have perhaps 15 pages of printouts from Shipley, Sussex and on a baptism page it LOOKS like there is an entry for a Heasman (difficult to read): 1803, Apr 17 Hannah of William and Ann Heasman. There also COULD be a burial for an Ann, wife of William Heasman on Aug ? 1799 (extremely poor photocopy). Also, baptism for Henry son of James and Mary Heasman, Shipley, Laborer, April 10th 1825. Burial for Jane Heasman, Shipley, August 23rd (25th?), 1829, age 22 years. There is a note in the margin, but cannot read it (cause of death). If you are interested in this area, I would be glad to check the pages more thoroughly for additional Heasman's. Amanda, just found banns and marriage license for a William Heasman "of this parish" (Shipley) in 1830. Could they be connected to your family somehow? He married Sarah -- possibly Sutton or Jutton. License includes signatures of William, Sarah and witnesses Henry Heasman and Elizabeth Heasman.

Lisa, Just to add, California is in Durham aswell! What do you conclude from that??? :0))) kim

Lisa what a coincidence!! I have just added to the 'unusual first names' thread on GB about the name Philadelphia! It seems it was HUGE in the Sussex area in particular!!! Not sure why though ..... Maz. XX

Hi Paul and Thelma: Thank you for your help. Philadelphia was actually my ancestor's sister but I've always been curious about the name, as the other members in the family had "common" names. That family lived in Sussex so it doesn't sound like she was named after any local English places; unless her family moved to Sussex prior to her birth. Yes Paul, you seem to be right there when I have questions. Wish my ancestors were as helpful as you are! But we're slowly finding them, eh? Thanks so much, Thelma and Paul, I really appreciate the answers.

Hello again Lisa :)) We will have to stop meeting like this, the site will be talking about us!?!?!? Seriously though, Philadelphia, England is in Tyne and Wear in the North East area. It is close to Houghton-le-Spring. Any wiser?? Paul

I have an ancestor who was named Philadephia. According to a google search, there is a place in England called Philadelphia, but I haven't been able to find the county. Would anyone know where it is, please?