This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: maryschacht Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.scotland.ans.general/5996.3.2.2.1.2.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I've found many of mine follow that tradition, but I use it as a working theory only. my great grandfather, had three Roberts' and two James' were as his siblings. I thought at first the early ones died another was given the same fore name but all lived to have wives and children. Bet holiday's were interesting but one was nicknamed bobby, another Robin. these boys ended up marrying and 6 of 10 children all had sons named the same. each family had a eldest son Robert. Don't make any assumptions, and get a copy of Scottish forenames, and Customs and traditions, cradle to grave. I had one child named John Stewart Powrie, who I could not figure out in their lineage, then read that if a minister was christening that name, he'd name it for himself. sure enough the minister was a john Stewart. I may make an educated guess, but if you don't have documents enough to use as genealogical standard of proof. http://www.bcgcertification.org/resources/standard.html found here, try using a name pattern, if parts of it fit, but make a copy of your database as a working theory, then when you are convinced it is correct, change the working theory to proved Gedcom, and erase the one that's wrong. Dundee is the only parish I know that has a column, left to enter the three godparents names,and their relation to child. (relation to child being christened) Naturally it was often left blank. established practice, protocal(regulation or law) and good guess are not! But you must start somewhere. You are writing to Patrick in Ohio, also, and I think it's solid assistance. Going online, is not research by going to the country oneself and doing "boots on the ground" with notebook.(paper or electronic) Merry Christmas, Mary in cold, wet Oregon Dundee Royal Infirmary, Dundee : details Go to: Name | Administration | Status/Type | Other info | Records Name Present name Dundee Royal Infirmary Address Barrack Road Dundee DD1 9ND (Since 1855) Previous location King Street 1798-1855 Foundation Year 1798 Closed Yes Closure year 1998 mary in oregon Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.