Name change

[damienb]

Was it common for people to change their names. Bit of a conundrum and a change of name would explain it but why would they...? Or am I missing something really obvious? Quite possible!!

What I have is this:

I have my wife's grandfather John Carr and his siblings sorted. His parents were Patrick Carr and Catherine Kelly, married in 1878 so I know (roughly!) when they were born.

In 1891 I have Patrick, his wife Catherine and children James, John P, Mary E, Catherine, Michael and William which is fine.

1881 - no sign of Patrick and Catherine. However, I do have a Nathaniel Carr, wife Catherine and children James and John - dates are about right but could this be Patrick? If so, why might he have changed his name?

Only other explanation I can think of is if they weren't in England at the time or somehow missed being included in the census. Sound right or  am I missing something really obvious?

Any help/pointers much appreciated.

Damien

[Plummiegirl]

As long as it is not for nefarious purposes you can call yourself anything you like and in the past many have.

I have an ancestor (g.g.uncle) who was born "Albert Brown" in 1897 - in 1901 he is now known as "Albert Green" - by 1911 he is now known as "George Green" and he finally dies in the last few weeks of WW1 as "Albert Green".  All very confusing, but nothing illegal.

[damienb]

Thanks!

That could explain it - maybe just didn't like the name Nathaniel. From the marriage certificate I know his father was James Carr, mariner, deceased (in 1878). Mother maybe Ann (not sure!) so I can check around when he was born and see if I can find either Nathaniel or Patrick!