Patronymics
Hi, Would my ancestor's last name - she was born about 1720 in Carmarthenshire -- be more likely to have been her father's first name or surname? Is there a timeline of when patronymics were used more than other times?
Thank you!
Kathy Funk
Answers
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There is a nice explanation about Welsh surnames given at this location. It does appear that it all depends, as far as time frame goes.
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The area in Carmarthenshire where your parish was located will have some impact on the time period when use of patronymics declined. Parishes near the coast usually adopted fixed surnames at earlier years than parishes further north. It is worth looking at the christening and burial records for the parish for the time period when your ancestor lived there to see if others in the parish were using patronymics. Probate records are an even better indicator of families using patronymics or fixed surnames.
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Thanks very much for your help!
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