February Backlog

This isn't a confession about the genealogy items I'm missed posting while away, but the unlikely name of a man I found while researching my ancestors in Norfolk. It's one that came to mind while reading a short article, In Search of Silly Names, in the March issue of Ancestors magazine.

The article, by Russell Ash, summarizes the research behind his book Potty, Fartwell and Knob: Extraordinary but True Names of British People published last October and reprinted six times by Christmas. You'll be amazed at the names some British parents give their children; Philadelphia Bunnyface, Bodicia Basher and Ostrich Pockinghorn are mentioned in the article. Luke Warm, Minty Badger, Tiny Slurd and Albena Whalebelly also.

For more on the book go to russellash.com. It sells at a good discount at amazon.ca.