Author Topic: Help needed with surname...  (Read 732 times)

Offline kimber1

  • RootsChat Extra
  • **
  • Posts: 18
  • Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
    • View Profile
Help needed with surname...
« on: Tuesday 26 February 13 18:50 GMT (UK) »
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

Offline dawnsh

  • Global Moderator
  • RootsChat Marquessate
  • ********
  • Posts: 15,549
    • View Profile
Re: Help needed with surname...
« Reply #1 on: Tuesday 26 February 13 19:31 GMT (UK) »
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
Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

Sherry-Paddington & Marylebone,
Longhurst-Ealing & Capel, Abinger, Ewhurst & Ockley,
Chandler-Chelsea

Offline kimber1

  • RootsChat Extra
  • **
  • Posts: 18
  • Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
    • View Profile
Re: Help needed with surname...
« Reply #2 on: Tuesday 26 February 13 19:53 GMT (UK) »
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
 

Offline jennifer c

  • RootsChat Marquessate
  • *******
  • Posts: 7,763
  • Latest bud on my family tree
    • View Profile
Re: Help needed with surname...
« Reply #3 on: Tuesday 26 February 13 23:33 GMT (UK) »
There are tree's online for this family.

Jennifer
Stevens /Godfrey /Rudgley /Claridge/ Gipson /George /Bliss
Census information is Crown Copyright from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk


Offline kimber1

  • RootsChat Extra
  • **
  • Posts: 18
  • Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
    • View Profile
Re: Help needed with surname...
« Reply #4 on: Wednesday 27 February 13 22:56 GMT (UK) »
Thanks Jennifer
I have looked at a few family trees but none of them seem any wiser than me regarding the correct spelling/pronunciation.