On Virginia birth records, what does "F.N." mean in name field?

YBennett

The project instructions mention "S.B." for stillborn, but I can't find anywhere where "F.N." is mentioned?

LarryClark43

it would be good to share your batch code so others could see exactly what you are looking at. It could just be the persons initials. Many of these records have just the initials for the given name.

If you post your batch code (XXXX-XXX) along with your question some one will be able to give you a more positive answer.🙂

YBennett

Thanks -- but I already submitted the batch (I'm reviewing, not indexing). The reason I'm pretty sure it's not part of the name (initials) is that F.N. appeared after about 30% of the names. So, I deleted it. If I run across it again, I'll remember to get the batch number.

MoffatKarenA

On birth records I know that S.B. means stillborn, but what is F.N.?

Dave Morris6

I just opened a batch for review - Virginia birth records MQ7H-LS5 that has the F.N. in parens behind the child's name on about 6 names. I noticed all those that had the F.N. were on children with the * (colored) ahead of the name. Don't know if that means anything or not.

erutherford

Those with F.N. by their name were born during slavery. I wonder if that has anything to do with it.

Rafaien R. Sears

I believe ‘F.N.’ means ‘Free Negro’. Some records have a little note next a person’s name to indicate that they are colored or similar.