Eugene, There was a David McCarson family living a few households away from my David Carson in 1800 Buncombe County. My line was always plain Carson. However, my David Carson had a grandson named "David M. Carson"....speculate the "M" stood for Mathew, and uncle's name. It gets confusing. It sounds like somebody in Scotland that was a son of Carson started using the "Mc" prefix. It's redundant in a way to be a "son" and a "Mac" or "Mc", assuming those designated a male child. I would guess the surname is more recent. Gary Carson In a message dated 11/1/2006 12:27:27 PM Central Standard Time, [email protected] writes: With all the recent activity on the Carson lines,....thought I might generate some comments / feedback from anyone who might have any idea or information related to the transition of any Carsons to the McCarson surname. Thanks, Eugene Summers Madisonville, KY