If your ancestor has an unusual first name or a middle name that's generally used for a last name, don't jump to the conclusion that those names have been used by other family members. It is also possible that the names were used in reference to some "pop culture" person whose popularity waned while your ancestor still had the name. People can be named for presidents and historical figures---not just relatives.
There were many men in the Southern states who were called "L D." who were named "Lorenzo Dow whatever surname" for the early Methodist minister, Lorenzo Dow.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of my father-in-law's middle name - Derwin. Still wondering where it came from - no one in the family on either side used that name. Any ideas?
ReplyDelete