This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: elwynsoutter1 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.scotland.general/22227.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: It was common practice in various parts of Scotland, Wales & Ireland at various times. It's called the patronymic naming system and is still used in Iceland and Russia (to varying extents). The child is named after the father's forename, to which is added son (even where its a daughter) though in Iceland they would use dottir, rather than son, for a female child. I think you records the daughter's name as shown, ie as Williamson or Johnson. Not sure how the birth would be recorded. I'd guess under the child's surname, but can';t be certain. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.