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ArchivesRe: Could Increase mean what it says in a standard English dictionary?
in reply to a message by David
There were no dictionaries in the eighteenth century, at least not like ours today.
It is probably a wish for more than what the father had. Increased wealth, health, happiness, faith, whatever. People often gave their children names which reflected the hops they had for their children.
Michelle
It is probably a wish for more than what the father had. Increased wealth, health, happiness, faith, whatever. People often gave their children names which reflected the hops they had for their children.
Michelle
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Replies
Pretty much the point of virtue names.
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I would surmise had to do with the biblical charge to "increase and bear children," or perhaps with the notion of increasing the numbers of Christians, as the most famous bearer of the name, Increase Mather, I believe was a minister and came from a long line of Puritan ministers.
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