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Surnames of female baptismal sponsors and marriage witnesses

I am wondering how best to interpret the surnames of women listed as baptismal sponsors or marriage witnesses in RC parish records. Were married women recorded under their husband's surname, or their own maiden names? Was there a general rule about this, or did it vary from place to place or over time? For example, if a John and Mary Kelly were baptismal sponsors, should I be thinking that Mary might be John's wife or his unmarried sister, or his sister regardless of marital status or perhaps a cousin on his father's side?

KKFUDA@GMAIL.COM

2 replies

TootsGirl:

Welcome to Ireland Reaching Out!

Others may comment also. My experience is that if the sponsor/witness was married then her married surname was listed. No general rule that i'm aware of.

Using your John and Mary Kelly example, Mary might be John's wife or John's sister or cousin,

Maiden name was only used for the mother of a baptized child. Rarely did you see her married surname. In some area where a particular surname was very common, you also have to consider that the maiden name of the wife was the same as the husband.

Roger McDonnell

Castlemore RoscommonIrelandXO Volunteer

Thanks very much, Roger, that helps to know. I won't rule out any possible relationships now.

KKFUDA@GMAIL.COM

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