Matthess, Matthes or Matthes

[karenappleyard]

Hi, on the attached record for the birth of Anna Catharina, can you tell me how the surname of the father Martin is most accurately written? Matthess, Matthes or Matthes. Thank you, Karen.

http://www.archion.de/p/bc95c5c34b/

 

[KoenigAguar]

In this entry, the name is written Matthes (profession baker and juror)

 

[karenappleyard]

Thank you. And is it the same here?
http://www.archion.de/p/7945991f11/
It's strange because one earlier son born in 1659 calls himself Bernhardt Mattheß and I am trying to work out why/when the change.

Regards, Karen.

 

[vnagel2004]

Karen.

Please always keep in mind that fixed / unchangeable family names do NOT(!) exist in German territories prior to 1874 / 1875 when the Personenstandsgesetz (Civil Status Act) came into existence.

Kind regards
Vera

 

[karenappleyard]

Aah, does that mean the name could be spelt differently according to which priest wrote it down? I may use Mattheß for the early family and Matthes for the later (as is my maiden name) and state that is what I have done. Does this make sense? Thank you Vera.

Regards, Karen.

 

[vnagel2004]

Hi, Karen.

Yes, that‘s the exact point.

Kind Regards, Vera

 

[karenappleyard]

Thank you