Research in Scandinavia has a few unique challenges. The biggest challenge is keeping everyone organized into the correct families because the names are all so similar! Our ancestors had a small number of given names for men and for women that were in extremely high rotation. Combined with patronymics, it becomes very easy to mix up the generations and the unique family groups.
Methodology specific to Scandinavia is very helpful for sorting through family groups and ensuring that you have the correct individuals grouped together. There are six linking patterns for Scandinavia:
- Nominal Links
- Sibling Links
- Geographic Links
- Occupational Links
- Property Links
- Societal Links
Over the next several weeks I will be explaining each of these links in detail and including some examples of how they are helpful. If you can master the concepts behind these linking patterns, you will improve your research skills and find greater success in sorting through your Nordic ancestors.
And just for fun, here’s a cool Viking ship from a museum in Oslo.
