'Twas Ever Thus...

Traditionally-masculine names on girls are a hotly debated topic in the name-community at the moment. These 18th century triplets, announced in the Gentleman's Magazine of January 1742, don't appear to have raised much comment on their names at the time — although a quick record seach indicates that, in later life, they seem to have dropped their unconventional first names and used the middles instead. 

 

A List of Births for the Year 1742,  Dec 20.         AT Madrid, Madame the Infanta. Wife of Don Philip, delivered of a Son.         The Lady of the deceased Alexander Nairn of Drumkilbo, Esq: delivered of a posthumous Son, christened Alexander William — On June 30, 1740, she was delivered of three daughters, christened James-Agnes, Charles-Emelia, Henry-Margaret, who are all now in good Healths.           The Countess of Winchelsea last Month — of a Daughter, not of a Son.                               The Gentleman's Magazine                                    Vol. 12 Jan 1742

(The last entry isn't as callous as it may sound — it is a correction from the previous issue.)