Hi Bob,
Although not a direct descendant, I have the surname you are researching (with different spellings), in my tree on both my paternal grandparent's sides. My grandmother's side - Steel(e) & my grandfather’s side - M(a)cKinnon. I took an interest in the name as it was so unusual.
The records/notes I have for Mary Pedrana b13 Apr 1850 in Kildonan, Boisdale, South Uist, Inverness, Scotland & baptised 15 May 1850 (transcribed baptism record). She married Donald MacKinnon 27 Feb 1876 in Bornish, Howmore, South Uist, Inverness, Scotland. She was married by the name Peterana (only 1 n) (marriage certificate).
The records/notes I have for an illegitimate son James Steele b 25 Apr 1864 in Kilmalcolm, Renfrew, Scotland (birth certificate) immigrated to Australia in 1889 under his father’s surname Peterana (Maryborough, Queensland Australia Immigrants from the British Isles & Germany 1861-91)
The note I have for Jane Peter Hannah, b 21 Aug 1872 in Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland, (transcribed birth record).
It appears that because the original Pedrana was probably Italian, the name would be given in broken English (possibly Pederana) and therefore transcribed as Peteranna as the “D” would sound like a “T”.
For Jane the error is quite obvious.
In those days illiteracy was common so mistakes were inevitable. This will give you an idea of how the name evolved over time, which is very interesting and understandable.
Regards,
Anne Marie.
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