N is for Namesake

one of those events/facts that provides some great stories!

Most families have favorite given names that are passed down from generation to generation. Many ethnic groups had naming patterns and oftentimes understanding that pattern provides clues, or names to look for, when conducting your family history. Are there given names that are used through the years in your family file? If not, how and why were given names chosen? Do you include that information in your Legacy family file?

customize this event/fact and include only what you want

This is one of those great interview questions to use with family members (and an easy one to discuss at family reunions). One of my cousins was named for his mother's favorite actor(!), another cousin's name is heaven spelled backwards, a niece is named for my grandmother, a brother's middle name is for my father's best friend, and an uncle is named for my grandfather's favorite brother.

you might be surprised by what you learn!

Once you get your family members talking you will hear all sorts of stories. Perhaps the parents were trying to choose a name that would honor both sides of a family, or not choosing a name because of strong negative feelings about it. Perhaps they chose a name that went back to their roots (very common in my Irish and Scandinavian families), or chose a name because it was unique or had not been used in the family before.

If you haven't done so already, why not add namesake to your Legacy events/facts. It is another thread to add to your family history tapestry.