Leimbach in Germany Early 1600s
Our oldest known ancestor, Abraham, was born 1608, Oberdorfelden, Schöneck, Main-Kinzig-Kreis, Hessen. He died 1686 in the same area. After extensive research, we cannot located his ancestors. Is it possible his parents had different surnames, etc?
Thank you for any help!
Comments
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By the 1600s, surnames were widespread in Germany. In some areas patronymics were used, but I think this was more in the northern areas. In some places, the farm name was used, but this tradition is again more common in northern areas, not Hessen.
When church records are missing or didn't yet exist in this early timeframe, it is sometimes possible to further trace ancestors using land records, marriage contracts (as part of court records), or using guild records.
See the article on naming practices in the FamilySearch Wiki -
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