Boy does this family like their “Js” and “Gs”! The especially like the combination JGK. In the picture above there are three Kerlens with these initials. My dad, my eldest son and I all carry these initials.
Ever since I can remember I’ve been told that the eldest son should always carry the these initials. I’m not sure how true this is but a quick glance at the family tree confirms that somewhere, somehow someone decided that these were their favourite letters. I named my eldest son in accordance with this family tradition however I unwittingly made life easier for future genealogists by not giving him the names Johannes or Godfried. In fact I think I might be the first JGK not to carry these names.
Not content with naming just their boys JGK they seem to have taken a liking to naming the girls too! It’s a minefield when trying to research a Johannes Godfried Kerlen when half of The Netherlands seem to have been named Johannes Godfried Kerlen.
In my direct lineage there are 7 JGKs. For seven generations there has been at least one JGK. I do hope my son carries on the tradition. While very samey, it’s still all quite something!