Sometimes first names can really be a horror. In many areas of Germany people often have 3 or more first names. These are often similar to the ancestors or exactly the same.

Then again, these people appear with different first names or suddenly short forms appear. All this was often done so that they could be distinguished not only within the family, but perhaps also within the village/community.

It is therefore very important to always look very carefully when people with similar names appear. Does the age match? Does the place match? Does the spouse match? Do the children match? Just try to find as much evidence as possible to make sure you’ve found the right person.

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