How did the Irish (in the mid 1800’s) commonly name their children and why were infants often referred to as “baby girl” or “baby boy?”
When I first found the letters in the attic and read the name of my great, great grandfather, I wondered why his name was Florence. Isn’t that a woman’s name? Likewise, when I told people about the name for my novel, “Yours Faithfully, Florence Burke”, some responded, “who is she?”
One day I asked my father why his great grandfather had a female first name. He laughed and said that it was a common Irish tradition to name the first son after the mother’s first name. What? I howled. Why? I asked if those boys were ridiculed or down right beaten up, but he said it was so common that Irish folks just took it as normal and expected. Florence was indeed the first male son in his family, so lucky him; he was honored by being given the same as his mother.
In reading my great, great grandfather’s Civil War letters I also learned about how many infants were addressed. I noticed right away that my ancestor referred to his older sons by their proper names, Jerry and Michael, but he would always refer to his daughter as “baby girl.” I began writing my novel and I decided to use Baby Girl in place of a name as well (also I could not find a record anywhere of her actual name). Soon, however, it began to feel cold (as well as monotonous) so I broke down and assigned her a factious name,Grace.
While researching and inquiring to many historians about why my ancestor would refer to his infant daughter as baby girl (and so did his wife and sons) I discovered that the death rate among infants under age one was so high that many parents chose to use a generic name like “baby girl” until the child was out of infancy and more certain to survive. I suppose this detachment helped them to deal with the loss of their baby which was all too common during this time period. Disease, malnutrition and lack of proper medical care and medicine were often to blame in the high rates of infant fatality. My father also suggested that some Irish were superstitious, fearing that if they used the birthright name, the baby might die a premature death. They did not want to jeopardize their situation any further, given that the survival rate were already slim, so some chose to just use the impersonal, “baby girl” or “baby boy.”
Names obviously held great importance to the Irish in 1848, and even for Irish-Americans in 1864. Through researching my Irish ancestors I learned about tradition, culture, fear and superstition in naming their children. I feel fortunate that today we have more freedom and confidence in placing a name to our child. Apple… Blue… North?
I came across this website and read a little about you and all your blogs, and they’re amazing! Once this book is out then I want the first copy!
This book looks great! If you look on my bookshelf every novel is about history. I want to buy Yours Faithfully to have it join my collection.
Ellen Alden has done so much research which adds so much credibility to her story. Her picture on this blog. of John L O’Sulliven the historian she met in Ireland, is priceless! The fact that he has read her book and helped her edit it shows how much he was fascinated by her story. I can’t wait to buy Ellen’s book!
Wow Ellen, this book looks amazing along with your blogs! I love reading about history but have never read about the Potato Famine. I can’t wait to read your book.
Wow, this is fascinating! I never knew that the Irish didn’t actually name their babies until they were older; I just thought it was a nick-name but the babies’ still had given names. I think it makes sense, given such tough times.
I also never knew that it was a common tradition for The first son to be named after the Mother. Hard to imagine in today’s society; I’m sure Ellen’s first born is relieved that tradition didn’t stick!
Kristin, Yes I discovered Irish naming traditions while talking to John L. O’Sullivan and researching. Your name would make a boy Kris, which really is quite fine. Can you imagine a boy being named Mary or Cassanddra or even Elizabeth? That would be hilarious! I don’t think all families held this tradition, but Florence Burke was surely in a family that did. Today he would probably be called FLO-BO.