Originally posted by Olde Crone Holden
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The blank on an entry in the GRO birth index does indicate that there is no maiden name (which GRO identify by the use of the word "formerly" before a surname) on the register entry, but it is quite possible for an entry with a blank maiden name to still have a father named on it - where unmarried parents register as joint informants for example.
Likewise, the appearance of a maiden name in the GRO index doesn't automatically mean the child is legitimate - a married woman can register an illegitimate child if her husband is not the father, with the father's name blank (or with a different man named jointly), and her maiden name will still be shown, as of course can a widow.
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