Berkshire Family History Society

A TALK titled “Forenames and what they reveal about ancestors” will be presented by Denise Bates at the next meeting of the Reading branch of the Berkshire Family History Society held over Zoom on Thursday, November 27 at 7.45pm.

Alongside traditional forenames that have been used across many generations, birth, marriage and death records reveal that there have always been some parents who selected non-standard names.

Denise became interested in the use of such names after discovering several while researching her family tree.

This inspired her to conduct her own extensive research into the topic, which enabled her to identify particular naming patterns.

The talk focuses on the period 1750 to 1950. It covers the main types of forename identified, including tribute names, commemorative names and localised names.

It looks at the inspiration for these names, their rise (and decline), what they may indicate to a historian about social class or wider society and the effect that an unusual forename might have on the bearer.

This talk about unusual forenames is suitable for family historians or for general interest groups. It usually generates wide-ranging discussion among attendees.

It is free to attend for society members and £5 for non-members.

For more information visit berksfhs.org/events/forenames-and-what-they-can-reveal-about-ancestors/?occurrence=2025-11-27