Alternate names

In Scotland in the 19th century and before, there were not that many given names for children and they tended to run in families. (More about naming patterns another time)

Then as now the official, "Sunday" name was often shortened; Maggie for Margaret and Lizzie for Elizabeth are familiar to us today.

However here are some others. Jessie for Janet has caught me out before. I spent ages looking the birth of Janet, only to find her as Jessie.

Alternate given names
Jane = Jean = Jeanie 
Helen = Ellen = Nellie 
Janet = Jessie
Sadie = Sarah
Nan = Agnes
Minnie = Marion
Mina = Williamina
Ina short for Williamina, Donaldina etc Patrick = Peter
Ian = John (although I think this is more a 20th century variation)

Old forms (early 19th century and before)
Christian for Christina 
Grizzel for Grace 
Euphan for Euphemia

Old abbreviations
Jno =John
Jas = James 
Andro = Andrew 
Alexr - Alexander

Strange given names for girls
Boy’s names 
Nicholas, especially in Dumfriesshire, 
Charles

Surnames (frequently for girls) like Campbell, Sayers, Cochrane, Hamilton, Lewis - they often run in families.

Surnames
Some families fluctuated between having a Mc and not eg McConnell or Connel
McPhillips or Phillips

Irish and other nationalities often anglicised their names
McClurg became McLeod; Mullen became Milne; Scullion became Smith (actual examples!)

Widows often (helpfully) reverted to their maiden name.