Different areas/times/families had different naming conventions.
    No general rule applies in every case.  Babies are often named
    for family members or baptismal sponsors, and sometimes a pattern
    can be found.

    Often a person does not go by his first given name, especially
    if that first name is Johann or Maria.  The name actually used
    (termed the Rufname) is often denoted by an asterisk or by
    underlining.

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    Suggestions for additions or improvements should be sent to
    the author, Jim Eggert  EggertJ@crosswinds.net.

Some parts © 2009 Advameg, Inc.