Christian name inconsistency

I wonder if someone can shed a little light on this for me...

My G-G-Grandfather was a Harry Roberts.

On his birth certificate(29/08/1849), his mother is listed as Mary
Jane Roberts, formerly Alexander, father Henry Roberts. Address: Cecil

lovegrove...

Her names were Mary Jane, so she used them in the formaliy of her own
child's birth registration

(> Henry's wedding cert. (27/11/1843) gives Jane Alexander, dau of

lovegrove...

but she preferred to be called Jane, so that's what Henry was used to
calling her and so automatically used when giving her details to the vicar.

(> 1841 census for Richard gives daughter Mary (aged 15) also of Cecil

lovegrove...

Her father, though, was used to calling her Mary.

Roger Lovegrove

Ct, St Martins Lane.

Henry's wedding cert. (27/11/1843) gives Jane Alexander, dau of
Richard Alexander, coal dealer.

1841 census for Richard gives daughter Mary (aged 15) also of Cecil
Court, St Martin's Lane.

Steven Gibbs...

Daughter? Relationships aren't given in 1841. How do you know she
wasn't niece, or baby sister, or distant cousin lodging with Richard?

SD...

Good point. I made an assumption.

For what it's worth, her mother, Mary Ann, is on the census as Mary,
too.

C Rihan...

With mother and daughter both named Mary, it's likely that the daughter
was called by her second name, Jane, to avoid confusion.

Best wishes
C.Rihan

Steven Gibbs
Bedford

As I understand it, the ages in 1841 are not to be relied on, but is
it likely (or even possible) that Mary Jane; Jane; and Mary are all
the same woman?

myths...

A 19C ancestress of mine was baptised Mary Jane. Her husband wrote a
letter to her that addressed her as "Jane", and I would not be too
supised to find her referred to in a census as Mary.

Hugh Watkins...

where does it state that Mary (aged 15) is anyones daughter?
I don't have an image in front of me

I thought occupations were listed not relationships?

Hugh W

All assistance gratefully received.

Gerry...

Very likely. In the U.S., especially the Irish families it is not
uncommon for the following variations to occur over several years in the
census records and city directories.

Michael Patrick O'Brien
M. Patrick O'Brien
Patrick M. O'Brien
P. Michael O'Brien
Pat O'Brien
Mike O'Brien

all the same person.

Christian name inconsistency - is it common?