Genealogy Chat

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We've all learned (the hard way, usually) to accept that our ancestors' surnames were not always spelt the same way, and to be flexible in our approach, but please, when searching FreeBMD, be prepared to be equally flexible with forenames. I'm currently transcribing Births for 1887, and some of the forenames, even though the sheets are typed, are totally illegible. I had one that I couldn't even work out its initial letter, though I knew it must begin with J, K or L because they were in alphabetical order. Another started with an H, but what followed just could not be read. Others are very strange - I almost typed Kenneth, before realising it was in fact Kennelm. Now was that the correct name, or had the person who typed the original list made a mistake? We are told to copy exactly what is on the original list, so Kennelm it had to be. Also, there are quite a few listed as just Male or Female, which might be because they hadn't decided on a name before they had to be registered, but more likely because they died shortly after birth. Anyway, I just thought I'd warn you to approach forenames with the same caution you use for surnames. Jan.

Hi Jan, just thought I`d say hello as I`m transcribing 1887 births too, so I know exactly what you mean, especially as the page I`ve got seems to have a lot of Italians on it! Rebecca

There IS a name Kennelm (more often Kenelm).

Hey, Rebecca .. None of your Italians have the name Rosa - perchance? Ok .. I always loved going for the Long Shot! :) Ann

Lol Ann, no Rosas, that would be far too easy! Rebecca ;-)