Keys to Scandinavian Research
July 7, 2016 By Guest Blogger
Some of the greatest helps in Scandinavian research are the linkage patterns. Although they may seem somewhat obvious, remembering these keys will simplify your research, especially when common names come into play. In this article, we will focus on patronymics, siblings, geography, property, chronology, and social status/occupation. We will rely on my Pedersen/Simonsen family members for examples to help explain the the concepts detailed below.
Some of the greatest helps in Scandinavian research are the linkage patterns. Although they may seem somewhat obvious, remembering these keys will simplify your research, especially when common names come into play. In this article, we will focus on patronymics, siblings, geography, property, chronology, and social status/occupation. We will rely on my Pedersen/Simonsen family members for examples to help explain the the concepts detailed below.
Patronymics
There are relatively few given names used in Denmark, and families typically share a group of names. For example, a typical naming pattern frequently used is as follows:
1st born male: named after the paternal grandfather
2nd born male: named after the maternal grandfather
1st born female: named after the maternal grandmother
2nd born female: named after the paternal grandmother
Children after the second born were typically named after their aunts or uncles. They may also be given a biblical name not previously found in the family. If a child died, a younger child may be given the same name as the deceased sibling. The names Peder and Simon were passed from generation to generation in my family.
Until the mid-1800s, Scandinavian surnames were given under a patronymic system. A father’s given name was typically used for his children’s surname. For example, Simon Pedersen’s children had the surname Simonsen (meaning son of Simon) or Simonsdatter (meaning daughter of Simon). Peder Simonsen, Simon’s son, gave his children the surname of Pedersen (male) or Pedersdatter (female). Understanding these naming patterns is essential for tracing a family in Scandinavian records. Although many people find the patronymics challenging, by understanding this system you may find the naming pattern as simple as the traditional naming patterns used in modern Western culture.
Siblings
The more siblings’ information you can gather, the greater the chances of extending your Scandinavian pedigree. Collecting all children’s information allows for a clear picture of each family group since naming patterns will become clear when all the siblings are gathered. Distinguishing between two individuals of the same name will also be easier if all the siblings are found.
Geography
Families usually stayed in the same basic geographic region. When families did move, they tended to move together, and families would likely not move across the country. The majority of the population lived on rural farming estates. My Pedersen/Simonsen family lived within the boundaries of Brovst Parish for at least as long as the records are available. If you find a dead end in the parish records, search nearby parishes, since families rarely moved very far.
Property
Property, whether owned or leased, typically passed through a family from father to son. Similar to geographical linkage, a male usually grew up to live on the same land his father lived on. In this sense, male members of the family could live on the same farm for generations. It is likely that a family’s records will be in the same parish for many generations because of this property tradition.
Chronology
Logistically, there was a limited time period for children to be born to parents. The average childbearing age for a woman was between 15 and 50. For a man, this age was between 15 and 70. Couples typically had their first child after about one year of marriage. Children were typically separated by two years in age. Any gaps larger than these indicate a possible missing child in the family. If you come across these gaps, search for clues to other children, perhaps in neighboring parishes.
Peder Pedersen and his wife, Mariane Thomasdatter, had seven children listed in the Brovst Parish registers. However, their first child was born in 1839, and the next child listed was not born until 1847. A gap such as this signaled as many as three other children who were not listed in the parish register. A search of the neighboring parish of Norre-Sundby showed two other children born to this family in the years 1841 and 1844.
Social Status/Occupation
Stories of “rags to riches” are seldom true. In the heavily traditional Scandinavian society, people typically died in the same social class they were born to. Farmers were typically farmers for life. Manor lords rarely disowned their children—even if the family stories insist that a poor marriage choice led to shame and disapproval from all family members. The lord’s children remained in their high social class.
Remembering these basic concepts will help you find success researching your Scandinavian ancestors. You will find yourself identifying the correct individuals that belong in your family tree, and you will understand how your family fit into their social surroundings.
To learn more about Scandinavian research, read my companion post,
“Beginning Your Scandinavian History.”
There are relatively few given names used in Denmark, and families typically share a group of names. For example, a typical naming pattern frequently used is as follows:
1st born male: named after the paternal grandfather
2nd born male: named after the maternal grandfather
1st born female: named after the maternal grandmother
2nd born female: named after the paternal grandmother
Children after the second born were typically named after their aunts or uncles. They may also be given a biblical name not previously found in the family. If a child died, a younger child may be given the same name as the deceased sibling. The names Peder and Simon were passed from generation to generation in my family.
Until the mid-1800s, Scandinavian surnames were given under a patronymic system. A father’s given name was typically used for his children’s surname. For example, Simon Pedersen’s children had the surname Simonsen (meaning son of Simon) or Simonsdatter (meaning daughter of Simon). Peder Simonsen, Simon’s son, gave his children the surname of Pedersen (male) or Pedersdatter (female). Understanding these naming patterns is essential for tracing a family in Scandinavian records. Although many people find the patronymics challenging, by understanding this system you may find the naming pattern as simple as the traditional naming patterns used in modern Western culture.
Siblings
The more siblings’ information you can gather, the greater the chances of extending your Scandinavian pedigree. Collecting all children’s information allows for a clear picture of each family group since naming patterns will become clear when all the siblings are gathered. Distinguishing between two individuals of the same name will also be easier if all the siblings are found.
Geography
Families usually stayed in the same basic geographic region. When families did move, they tended to move together, and families would likely not move across the country. The majority of the population lived on rural farming estates. My Pedersen/Simonsen family lived within the boundaries of Brovst Parish for at least as long as the records are available. If you find a dead end in the parish records, search nearby parishes, since families rarely moved very far.
Property
Property, whether owned or leased, typically passed through a family from father to son. Similar to geographical linkage, a male usually grew up to live on the same land his father lived on. In this sense, male members of the family could live on the same farm for generations. It is likely that a family’s records will be in the same parish for many generations because of this property tradition.
Chronology
Logistically, there was a limited time period for children to be born to parents. The average childbearing age for a woman was between 15 and 50. For a man, this age was between 15 and 70. Couples typically had their first child after about one year of marriage. Children were typically separated by two years in age. Any gaps larger than these indicate a possible missing child in the family. If you come across these gaps, search for clues to other children, perhaps in neighboring parishes.
Peder Pedersen and his wife, Mariane Thomasdatter, had seven children listed in the Brovst Parish registers. However, their first child was born in 1839, and the next child listed was not born until 1847. A gap such as this signaled as many as three other children who were not listed in the parish register. A search of the neighboring parish of Norre-Sundby showed two other children born to this family in the years 1841 and 1844.
Social Status/Occupation
Stories of “rags to riches” are seldom true. In the heavily traditional Scandinavian society, people typically died in the same social class they were born to. Farmers were typically farmers for life. Manor lords rarely disowned their children—even if the family stories insist that a poor marriage choice led to shame and disapproval from all family members. The lord’s children remained in their high social class.
Remembering these basic concepts will help you find success researching your Scandinavian ancestors. You will find yourself identifying the correct individuals that belong in your family tree, and you will understand how your family fit into their social surroundings.
To learn more about Scandinavian research, read my companion post,
“Beginning Your Scandinavian History.”
Jenny Hansen graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Family History. In 1999 she received her genealogy Accreditation in Danish research and currently works as a professional researcher. When she’s not doing genealogy, she spends her time doing “mom stuff” and loves to be outdoors with her family.
