I think you'll find this is "simply" the translation of a patronymic, rather than a surname Saul was son of Solomon becomes Saul SOLOMONS whilst Solomon was son of David, becomes Solomon DAVIS. After a generation or two it tends to sort itself out and the families start sticking to one surname. Sherry On 09/03/2008, PETER SOLOMON <peter.solomon2@btinternet.com> wrote: > > I got quite a surprise when I obtained a copy of my gg grandads marriage > certificate from1859. I already knew that he used both Saul SOLOMONS and > Solomon SOLOMONS at different times, (he is shown as Saul on the > certificate). What I wasn't prepared for was his fathers name, it is shown > as Solomon DAVIS. This was a real surprise. Both were born in Holland and I > believe it wasn't unusual for the former Dutch citizens to change their > names in England as they were unable to do so in Holland. Does anybody think > that Saul is using the Hebrew style of naming as in Saul son of Solomons? > Was this common? I am not familiar with Jewish tradition as I am not Jewish. >