October 27, 2023 My maiden name is Fernelius. Since it’s not a common name, I’ve spent a lifetime spelling it and explaining its origins. I’ve always known that Fernelius is a Swedish name, but it wasn’t until I became a genealogist that I realized just how unusual it is. As most genealogists know, …
Tag: Carol Stetser
American Given Names by George R. Steward
October 20, 2023 Like most genealogists, I’ve often used surnames to learn more about my ancestors. Until recently, I’d never thought about using these names to advance my genealogical searches. My viewpoint changed when I ran across the book American Given Names by George R. Stewart. The book was published in 1979, but it …
More Tidbits about Given Names
October 6, 2023 When we research our ancestors, surnames tend to get the most attention. Many of us spend years trying to find the maiden names of our female ancestors. Rarely do we give the same attention to the given names of ancestors. That’s too bad. Given names can offer interesting insights into the lives …