RootsChat.Com
England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => London and Middlesex => Topic started by: kimber1 on Tuesday 26 February 13 18:50 GMT (UK)
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I have a marriage in 1757 Shoreditch between Sarah Williamson and John Fargeman, which sounds straight forward enough.
The problem starts with the baptisms of their children, I have Feargenmont, Firgamont, Fergimont, Fargimont and Fargemont
Does anyone have any idea what the actual surname could be as I'm finding it a bit difficult to research.
Thanks, Kim
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Hi Kim
The spelling of surnames only became standarised at the end of the 19th century with the introduction of free education for all and an increase in literacy.
Before the 19th century you have to take into consideration local accents as well as interpretation by parish clerks.
The only thing that is common to all these interpretations,and I'm sure they may be others, is the F at the beginning and the sound of the g in the middle. Even he may not have known how to spell his name on a recurring basis.
An example I was shown recently is the 'east end' pronounciation of Hemming, minus the h at the front and the g at the end and you get Emin (as in the artist Tracey), another frequently occuring surname in the records.
Dawn
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Hi Dawn,
I know what you mean, I've had some weird and wonderful variations with my 'Wiltshire' lot.
Problem I have with this one is that all I'm getting is the one record for each different spelling. I had assumed it was spelt phonetically but even that isn't throwing up anything remotely similar.
John was a mariner so unfortunately could have come from anywhere.
Kim
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There are tree's online for this family.
Jennifer
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Thanks Jennifer
I have looked at a few family trees but none of them seem any wiser than me regarding the correct spelling/pronunciation.