It’s a reminder that our ancestors deserve to be more than the labels they were given; they were products of their time, their experiences, and their heartbreak. It is essential to weave together these threads to reveal a fuller, richer portrait of who they truly were.

Understanding these naming patterns can be key to unlocking your ancestry and unravelling the rich tapestry of your family history

Recently, I had the pleasure of working with someone who wanted to record her favourite recipes. Today, meals often come pre-prepared or through subscription boxes, or we turn to Google for the recipe. Yet there is no more treasured memory than helping to prepare or enjoying a favourite home-cooked meal.

First names tend to follow cultural and social trends. When researching your family history, you’ll often notice names rise in popularity due to notable figures of the time such as royalty and political leaders in earlier centuries, while in the 20th century onward, the impact of film and television stars has become increasingly significant, with names of popular actors and actresses emerging at the top of name lists.

There’s a moment in every family history journey when the past becomes personal