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Could unmarried mum give fathers surname ?

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RutlandBelle

RutlandBelle Report 27 Apr 2007 18:41

I suppose she could have told a few untruths, but really she would have had to register the child in her name and if the father wanted his name on the birth cert he would have had to go along with her and be present at the registration. Even today if a couple aren't married and they want to register the child with the father's surname both parents have to be present. Jennifer

Researching:
Please use the "ADD YOUR REPLY" box below to reply. Please DO NOT click on my username and send a private message (unless info is about living people or otherwise sensitive). Thank you.

Newby CI

Newby CI Report 27 Apr 2007 18:41

Thankyou both very much. Can,t believe after all the certificates I,ve ordered I havent read them thoroughly. Promise I will from now on ! x

Chris in Sussex

Chris in Sussex Report 27 Apr 2007 18:38

If the mother gave her own surname then the only way the father's name could be registered as the child's surname would be if he was present at the registration. However if she said she was Mrs X and registered the child in that surname then there were no formal checks and the Registrar would have taken her at her word. It is also possible, but unlikely, that she used the father's surname as her own and therefore the child was given the surname but she didn't name the father!......As I said an unlikely scenario. Chris

Researching:
Avatar...My darling Dad. 1931-2019 'Take nothing on its looks, take everything on evidence. There is no better rule' Charles Dickens, Great Expectations. 'A brickwall is a problem that you haven't solved yet' Dave Annal http://media.nationalarchives.gov.uk/index.php/brick-walls-and-lost-ancestors/

Gwyn in Kent

Gwyn in Kent Report 27 Apr 2007 18:36

At that time there is no column for surname of the child, ..it is 'understood' from the other information given. Although the mother could not name the father on the certificate unless he was present, the child could be brought up using either surname...or any other she chose, come to that. Often a child had a father's surname tacked on in Column 2, which is for Name, if any. Gwyn

Newby CI

Newby CI Report 27 Apr 2007 18:32

In the early 1900,s could the above give a different surname to their child on a birth certificate without registering a father for the child ? thanks