“Inconsistent Spelling of Surnames”

 One of the most significant challenges faced by family history researchers is the inconsistent spelling of surnames. Most historical documents reflect how the names were pronounced by the listener, transcriber, or writer, leading to variations in spelling.

Nicholas Lennon—also recorded as Limond or Linnet—was born in a location that is currently untraceable, Kilnagle? in County Down, Northern Ireland, as indicated by both Scottish marriage records and the 1841 census, in the year 1803. 

 He later relocated to Ayrshire, Scotland, where he married Mary Willock (also spelled Willox) under the name Nicholas Lennon and Limond in 1823. 

Nicholas Linnet passed away in 1843 in Barrhead, Renfrewshire, Scotland, and was interred at St. John’s Churchyard.   

Their son, Nicholas Lennon, was born in Maybole, Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1828. The 1851 census lists both Nicholas and his mother under the surname Lenort.  

However, beginning with the 1861 census, the family adopted the surname Lennox. 

I suspect that this change was influenced by the large Lennox population in Renfrewshire at the time, making it easier to adopt a more common name.  

Remember when you are researching and cannot find that special record, it may have been spelt differently.

I would like to express my gratitude to 'Scotland's People' for providing access to the Scottish records. Their search engine is particularly impressive, especially when dealing with potential

spelling errors.