Appendix A

Naming Practices and Customs

Whereas genealogy is the record of descent of a person   from an ancestor, onomastics is the term applied to the study of the origin of names, naming practices, and naming customs.  Although the origin of the Breakey surname is not to be debated, naming practices and customs are relevant to this research.

In various countries and cultures there is often a repeated pattern in naming practices and customs.  The following discussion is presented in support Isaiah Breakey’s descent from Andrew Brekey of Lismagonway.

As for Scottish naming practices, although not always the case, the first son is named after the father’s father; the second son is named after the mother’s father; the third son is named after the father (Ruhle & Ruhle).

German communities in America held to their traditional naming patterns and customs:  the eldest son was named after the paternal grandfather; the second son was named after the maternal grandfather; the third son was named for the father (Monk, 1997).

The Dutch people entertained similar naming practices:  the first son being named after the paternal grandfather and the second son named after the maternal grandfather (Ristenbatt).

And, lastly, Irish naming patterns are detailed for sons and daughters:

The 1^st son was usually named after the father’s father

The 2^nd son was usually named after the mother’s father

The 3^rd son was usually named after the father

The 4^th son was usually named after the father’s eldest brother

The 5^th son was usually named after the mother’s eldest brother

The 1^st daughter was usually named after the mother’s mother

The 2^nd daughter was usually named after the father’s mother

The 3^rd daughter was usually named after the mother

The 4^th daughter was usually named after the mother’s eldest sister

            The 5^th daughter was usually named after the father’s eldest sister

                                                                                 (Author Unknown)

In light of the above data, I refer to the names of the children of Isaiah Breakey of Lismagonway: the first son (Isaiah’s eldest son, according to Glasgow matriculation records), was named Andrew; from baptism records his second and thirds sons, respectively, were named James and Isaiah.