In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the two wars were fought in South Africa between the British and the Boers. During the Second Boer War (1899–1902), certain patriotic London parents gave their children names “commemorative of our great generals and victories in South Africa.” Here are some examples:
| Name | Inspiration |
|---|---|
| James Albert Redvers Kirby Audrey Buller Lily Wallace | Gen. Redvers Henry Buller |
| Hector Macdonald Matthew | Major-Gen. Hector MacDonald |
| Frank Kimberley Stuckey | Siege of Kimberley |
| Thomas Elands Laagte Wilks | Battle of Elandslaagte |
| Margaret Ellen Ladysmith Angram | Battle/Siege/Relief of Ladysmith |
| Colenso Stuart Dudley Middleton | Battle of Colenso |
| James Spion Kop Skinner | Battle of Spion Kop |
Babies were also named Frere (for Bartle Frere), Glencoe (for the Battle of Glencoe), Kitchener (for Field Marshal Herbert Kitchener), Mafeking (for the Siege of Mafeking), Pretoria, and Tugela (for the Battle of the Tugela Heights).
And, oddly enough, a few London babies were named Kruger for Paul Kruger, President of the South African Republic.
Source: “Boer War Babies.” Leader [Regina, Canada] 31 May 1900: 2.
Related article I just spotted while doing research:
Source: “A Remarkable Name.” Feilding Star 1 May 1914: 4.