The Scottish (?) name Elvira

[Isadora]

I have an Elvira Bell who married my relative, Daniel Stephen in 1844. St Nicholas/Old Machar area of Aberdeen

Her father was David Bell, a weaver, and her mother Janet Falconer.

The name Elvira I thought was Italian (?) in origin. Does this mean there is a likely foreign connection? Exactly how unusual was it at the time?? Thanks! Does it tell me anything about the family?

[AndrewP]

Hi Isadora,

Chambers Dictionary suggests that Elvira is a Spanish name (originally of Germanic derivation). It could mean a Spanish (or some other European) connection. Or it could be that the parents knew of someone else of that name and just liked it. So I wouldn't be packing your suitcase and heading to Spain for some research yet. Your challenge is to find if such a connection exists.

All the best,

AndrewP

[nelmit]

I have an Elvira Bell who married my relative, Daniel Stephen in 1844. St Nicholas/Old Machar area of Aberdeen

Her father was David Bell, a weaver, and her mother Janet Falconer.

The name Elvira I thought was Italian (?) in origin. Does this mean there is a likely foreign connection? Exactly how unusual was it at the time?? Thanks! Does it tell me anything about the family?

Hello Isadora,

Looks like her siblings also had 'exotic' names.

Piece: SCT1841/168 Place: Aberdeen/Old Machar -Aberdeenshire Enumeration District: 6
Civil Parish: West Parish Ecclesiastical Parish, Village or Island: -
Folio: 3 Page: 40
Address: George Street

Surname First name(s) Sex Age Occupation Where Born Remarks
BELL M. F 50 Outside Census County (1841)
BELL Elvira F 20 Linnen Weaver Outside Census County (1841)
BELL Malvina F 20 Linnen Weaver Outside Census County (1841)
BELL Merina F 15 Linnen Weaver Outside Census County (1841)
BELL Jessie F 15 Linnen Weaver Outside Census County (1841)
EDWARDS John M 30 Watch Maker Aberdeenshire

Regards,
Annette M

[Isadora]

Thanks for this, wonderful!

I didn't think there was much 'exotic' naming that went on back then?
Thought that was something that had happened only in the last 2 centuries.

Well I suppose it makes life more interesting but thought we might have a rogue spanish sailor somewhere in our midst!