liverpud wrote: > The use of surnames as first names plus the names with seemingly with no > gender. > Working in the local library, I come across names such as McKenzie, Ramsey, > Sheridan. Often I guess mixed up when I have no idea as to the gender of > the child. > One man told me that McKenzie would drop by to pick up a book. "Oh tell him > to drop by then." > "Sorry, but McKenzie is a girl." I have that problem with some of the more recent children in the family. I'm afraid they've been marked as U (unknown sex) in my genealogical program. -- Charani (UK) OPC for Walton, Greinton and Clutton, SOM Asst OPC for Ashcott and Shapwick, SOM http://wsom-opc.org.uk

I had the opportunity, some years ago, when I discovered that my 2GGM was Friday WESTON. She kept herself to herself, as so many of my ancestors did :o) and with a common surname like WESTON, I found the best way to research her was by her unusual given name. I don't know if I was expecting to find 2GGUncles and Aunts named Monday, Tuesday, etc. Six girls called Friday, Fridiswen or Fridiswide were in successive previous generations and later ones, named after Friday herself, also appeared. Friday Caroline, her GD, preferred to be known as Caroline. I later found a Thursday on another line, but was bitterly disappointed to find that it was the vicar's interpretation of Thirza. In seeking my GGF's thirteen siblings, I found one named Wellington George COX, b 1855 in Bath. Poor lad was one of twins, both of whom died about a year old. Not even enough time to establish an unembarrassing nickname! Kind regards Joy