The Scottish Naming Pattern
Frequent use of the same first
name/s among early Mercers may cause some confusion. This is mainly the result of
the naming pattern commonly used throughout Scotland until comparatively
recent times, viz:-
1st son named after the father's father
2nd son after the mother's father
3rd son after the father
1st daughter named after the mother's mother
2nd daughter after the father's mother
3rd daughter after the mother.
This pattern often helps researchers to trace previous generations.
