An unusual given name

[Top-of-the-hill]

 Thanks Pennines - that is almost the same time as the records I found.

[jinks]

I have always wondered why the christian name of 'Doctor' was supposedly given to the seventh son of a seventh son. Why? Where did that belief come from? (These are rhetorical questions unless, of course, someone knows the answer).

It seemed to be most common in Lancashire - but maybe that's because I am from Lancashire and have seen it a lot on census records and have a mis-balanced view.

I've not found Doctor for the Seventh Son but Septimus, though I have a few Major's in my family lol, I always thought it was a case of giving them a 'Title' . 

[Pennines]

Jinks - yes, Septimus seems logical just for ANY seventh son. The belief I am talking about is the seventh son OF a seventh son and such a person being named Doctor -- and I have just found something about it! After all this time.

http://www.thebookofdays.com/months/jan/26.htm#SEVENTH%20SONS%20AND%20THEIR%20SEVENTH%20SONS

(I hope that link works - it looks strange!!)

[coombs]

I have a Lorken Wallaker in my tree. His maternal gran was a Lorken. Such instances of unusual given names can be very handy.

I have an Albert Titshall Hubbard or Alfred Titshall Hubbard in my tree. He is descended from my Suffolk Titshall's.

[jinks]

Pennines -  now you come to mention it! I remember one of my work colleagues telling me her Father was a Seventh son of a Seventh son - and therefore he supposedly had mystic / healing powers (or was presume to have) can't remember the Doctor though I'll see if I can find

[Pennines]

Oh Wow Jinks -- that's amazing.

So that is more or less a current case, as opposed to 19th century and before - so that belief still existed. Fascinating. Thank you.

On the 'other' side of this health thing - on the BMD Index 1837-1915, there are 2 children whose birth registration gives them a first name of 'Murder'! (One should have been Murdo and the other Murdoch.)