12 December 2009

How Common is that Name?



These christening entries from Beberstedt, Germany range from 17 July 1840 to 3 October 1840 (note that the dates are given in numeric form, day month).


The item worth noting is that of these five entries, three have fathers whose last name is Schollmeyer (the 1st, 2nd, and 5th eitries). The 3rd entry has a mother whose maiden name was Schollmeyer. The town is full of them.


Remember that names that may be unusual in one area may be very common in another. Be careful before you assume the first Elizabeth Schollmeyer you find is yours. There may be more than one and they may be born in the same year or even in the same month.