Scottish Naming Patterns

 

People of all countries tend to use forenames that run in the family. In Scotland families not only use such names but they tend to follow naming patterns - the most common of which are:

- 1st son - named after his paternal grandfather
- 2nd son - named after his maternal grandfather
- 3rd son - named after his father
- 1st daughter - named after her maternal grandmother
- 2nd daughter - named after her paternal grandmother
- 3rd daughter - named after her mother

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Although this naming pattern was not always used, it can be a useful indication to genealogists. Unfortunately, this pattern is not used to the same extent today.

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