NAVIGATING PATRONYMICS IN SCANDINAVIAN RESEARCH Part 2, Linking Patterns Jenny Hansen, AG®
[email protected] www.MyFavoriteAncestor.com Purpose: At the end of this session, each student should understand the basic linking patterns used to determine family groups in Scandinavia. Linking Patterns When we look at families in Scandinavia, the first big challenge is the lack of original names. You may have noticed that it seems there are about ten names for men and ten names for women that appear in very high repetition. Patronymics can make this even more difficult. When we identify these six patterns for our Scandinavian families, it helps us realize who belongs to the family and who is part of the neighbor’s family. The patterns to watch for include names, siblings, chronology, geography, occupation and social status. Names Types of surnames: Patronymics—The father’s given name with either -son or -daughter attached is used as the surname for children. (Example: Peterson, Jensen, Hansdatter, etc.) Occupational—The individual’s occupation is used as a surname. These occupational names are typically used in addition to the patronymic name. Occupational surnames usually only held for one generation. (Example: Smed, Møller) Geographical—The name of the town or farm where a family lived is used as a surname. These are used in addition to a patronymic name. Geographical surnames are most common in Norway and Sweden. They could be used for several generations, and even became the permanent surname for many families. (Example: Liljenquist, Lundberg) Nickname—A physical feature or personality characteristic could be used as a surname.