What is the patronymic naming system?
In the patronymic naming system, a child’s name is derived from the father’s name. This traditional system of naming was used in Ostfriesland until it was banned by decree in 1811 when families had to choose a permanent surname. In this naming system, for example, Harm Caspers was the son of Casper Harms who was the son of Harm Janssen who was the son of Jan Simons and so on. Knowing the ins and outs of the patronymic naming system can simplify the task of piecing together your Ostfriesen family. A more detailed description of the patronymic naming system can be found at http://home.earthlink.net/~ricklefsr/rrpatro.htm and in 2003 Volume 6, Issue 4 of the OGSA newsletter.
In the patronymic naming system, a child’s name is derived from the father’s name. This traditional system of naming was used in Ostfriesland until it was banned by decree in 1811 when families had to choose a permanent surname. In this naming system, for example, Harm Caspers was the son of Casper Harms who was the son of Harm Janssen who was the son of Jan Simons and so on. Knowing the ins and outs of the patronymic naming system can simplify the task of piecing together your Ostfriesen family. A more detailed description of the patronymic naming system can be found at http://home.earthlink.net/~ricklefsr/rrpatro.htm and in 2003 Volume 6, Issue 4 of the OGSA newsletter.
