***************************************************************************** This email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. ***************************************************************************** Jim Fowler suggested below that: The simple answer I suppose would be to say that the earliest version you can find is the original version and everything after that is a variation. I would not quite go along with this. There is not such a thing as an "original version" . Indeed, we need to get away from the idea that there were standard spellings. In the 18th century a person was quite capable of spelling his or her own name two different ways in the same letter. Slowly but surely, names became standardised. But the reason why, for instance, one family went with Munro and another with Monro may never be known. Malcolm Bang or-Jones -----Original Message----- From: Jimfowler3@aol.com [mailto:Jimfowler3@aol.com] Sent: 31 March 2001 22:58 To: SCT-SUTHERLAND-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: Original spellings ******************************************************************* This email has been received from an external party and has been swept for the presence of computer viruses. ******************************************************************* In a message dated 31/03/2001 20:34:48 GMT Daylight Time, robinvb@home.com writes: << The last name in question is Jestings, at first we thought the name was from Scotland but I am quite sure that it is not. While searching the IGI the name Jestings come's up only 6 time's, but on the same page of the IGI there are other name's that are quite similar but may have some small spelling differences ie: Jestyn, Jesting, Gestin etc. There are at least 30 variations to choose from, how does one go about finding the original spelling. >> I have a similar situation in my direct family line of FOWLER which has at least ten variations through the line both in spelling and pronounciation. As most of the early records of any name will be phonetic attempts at best - never forget that Shakespeare spelled his own name at least three different ways and Robert Burns' father was William Burnes - there will be no correct version as such only the version that any given clerk or minister chose to use on any given day. It can be well into the nineteenth century , with the increase in general literacy and education, before some spellings of surnames settle down into what we might call the accepted or received version. The simple answer I suppose would be to say that the earliest version you can find is the original version and everything after that is a variation. I enjoy the challenge and the variety. This family history game wouldn't be as much fun if our ancestors had all played by our rules. A' the best to you and yours Jim Fowler Gateshead UK http://members.aol.com/chieflymurder ==== SCT-SUTHERLAND Mailing List ==== You may, at times, wish to check out previous messages to this list. You can do this at http://archiver.rootsweb.com/SCT-SUTHERLAND-L/ ============================== Visit Ancestry.com for a FREE 14-Day Trial and enjoy access to the #1 Source for Family History Online. Go to: http://www.ancestry.com/subscribe/subscribetrial1y.asp?sourcecode=F11HB