In a message dated 13/08/2007 16:32:05 GMT Daylight Time, [email protected] writes: The "English Naming Pattern" (ENP) encouraged parents to follow a set convention in choosing names for their children. Marie: While there is a lot of value in remembering the well-known naming pattern you describe, I think I would take issue with calling it the "English" naming pattern. In my experience in the NE of England it is more likely to be found in families which have originated in Scotland than anywhere else. Following from that, it is also common in north Northumberland, but becomes less common as one leaves either the Scottish Border or the coastal ports where many Scottish families settled. Also, the prevalence of certain common Christian names in many families means that it could not be kept to precisely if there was to be no repetition of names. It could also be disrupted by the death of a child who had a Christian name which the parents were keen to have in their family - the next child of the right sex would usually be given that name again, regardless of the naming pattern. There again, great friends who were not relatives might be honoured by their name being used, as might even respected public figures. The other side of that coin is the ne-er do well relative, whose name would be dropped from the family, naming pattern or no naming pattern! Sometimes it seems that a couple went to church for a baptism but had no idea what name they were going to give the child. In those case, the Vicar's advice might well be sought, given and acted upon. It cannot be a coincidence that in many parishes, especially those created in towns during the 19th century the name of the Saint to whom the church was dedicated (assuming it was a person) is very common among the children of the appropriate sex, baptised there. Look, for instance, at the number of Hildas baptised at Darlington St Hilda during its first year of operation. I suspect there will also be a tendency to use the name of the Saint whose Day it was at the time (though, of course, the timing of the baptism migiht have been arranged for that purpose!). Yes, the naming pattern, which I prefer to call the Scottish naming pattern, can be a help, but whether it has been used or not can usually only be determined by hindsight, which limits its use in research! Geoff Nicholson