Hanover (Hannover) Naming Customs: Difference between revisions

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In the early 1800s the population was supposed to obtain permanent family names through the influence of the French Code Civile. In 1811 all administrations had to establish lists, but when the French occupation ceased (1813), the idea of civil registration and permanent names was abolished. Marriages again were legal when performed by the Church. The newly established civil registration books largely disappeared and the old patronymic forms of family names were re-established. However, this did not sit well with the newly formed administrations. Since 1815, Ostfriesland belonged to the Kingdom of Hanover. The officials saw problems with the ever changing family names and ordered that the sons should abide by the name of their fathers. Again, lists were ordered to be established in which all people appeared with their full names by which they had been known thus far as well as those names which were chosen as a family name. These lists were supposed to be based on the 1811 lists ordered by the French occupancy. The Landdrostei Aurich (administrative district) could not accomplish this task, therefore, the Hanover government ordered the printing of new forms and by 1829 all family names had to be determined. New guidelines were:<br>• The new name was to be decided by the oldest living ascendant, several brothers of age, whose father was deceased, were allowed to choose their own family names.<br>• A person not of age was to be advised by a guardian, however, was this person 18 years of age, his wishes had to be considered.<br>• A widow maintained the name of her deceased husband, the unmarried daughter received the name of her deceased father. <br>