Biblical inspiration for names is often seen during family history research. Sarah, Ruth, Elizabeth and Esther all make an appearance in the bible, whilst family history research may also reveal daughters named Kezia or Keziah, after Job's daughter in the Old Testament. Or perhaps family members went for the more unusual Keren-happuch, who was another daughter of Job.
Boys too could be given Bibical names, such as Benjamin, Aaron or Joseph. And if you were really keen, like the Jennings family of Wood Ditton, then the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John could be commemorated within your children’s names! Matthew Jennings and his wife Sarah (or Sally) Cooper gave these names to their sons from 1800 onwards, although intriguingly not in strict order - and with some other boys names interspersed. Matthew junior was born first - and then sons Edward and Charles - with Luke, Mark and John following on. Perhaps it was coincidence that the Jennings family ended up with sons named Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, or perhaps it was deliberate!
If you have any unusual names in your family tree to research further, contact our team of professional genealogists today.
