Having failed,

       To find a European origin for the female name "Crotia," which appeared
at least five times among the descendants of Martin Davenport, Sr., who died
in Hanover County in 1735, we wonder if there are Native American linguists
subscribing to the List who have a knowledge of Algonquin or experience with
female names used in the Powhatan Confederation?  Martin, who apparently was
born in Virginia before 1683, had an elder daughter named Crotia, at least
three granddaughters bearing the name, and yet more in later generations, all
traceable to the three eldest daughters of Martin's--who married Gambill,
Baker, and Kennedy respectively.  The name "Crotia" did not appear among the
progeny of Martin's eight sons and one younger daughter.

       Martin first appeared in the King William Quit Rents of 1704.  His
father Davis Davenport, who also was listed on the King William Quit Rents of
1704, first appeared in Pamunkey Neck in 1696 with a plantation and landing
on the Mattaponi River, adjoining upriver a survey then made for Major John
Waller.  At the time, Pamunkey Neck was technically still an Indian
Reservations, and Davenport's site was on Chickahominy land.

       The name has not been found elsewhere in Colonial Virginia, but we
have not diligently examined the Northern Neck.

       Any and all suggestions or leads will be appreciated.

John Scott Davenport
Holmdel, NJ

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