Hi Gini, Thanks for your reply. I think the German translation for COOPER is Faßbinder. I also think the American Immigration guys were responsible for many Eurpean surnames being changed ro an English "sound alike". My Grandmother's surname on her Marriage certificate was CARFY. But it was really COURGHYE. I guess that change was caused by the crazy accent. Earlier than that my Great Grandmother's name was Dougherty from "Donnall O'DOCHARTAIGH, lord of the territory of Kinel-Enda and Ard Mire, died, A.D.1119. But I'm going into the old Manx Gaelic era now. Best Regards, Ricky Cooper.