Hi Dee, >Actually I just read the article again and the naming pattern comes from the >book "In Search of your British and Irish Roots" by Angus Baxter. Hope this >helps. Yes I'm working through my email slowly here! I'm going to have to look at that. However do be careful to distinguish between England, Scotland and UK. In your original message you spoke of the pattern being used in the UK. The web page refers to England. You've spoken of the pattern being visible in your own Scottish research (I wouldn't question that: I see it in Scotland too). England, Scotland and UK are not synonymous terms, and to muddle them up can lead to confusion. Be careful in referring to exactly what you mean. This is especially important in Borders genealogical research, since Scottish records (and culture/history) can be so very different from those in England, or indeed anywhere else in the UK. Best wishes. Viv