Yes, a second surname was often used to distinguish different branches of the same family, especially where there were several with the same given name in the same town or area. In my case they appear to have added the surname of the family married into (the wife's family name). > Hello: > > Does anyone have any experience with double surnames for one individual? I have been researching records in Dalmation (Konavle Valley) and have come up with a Niko CAR SILVA. I have never heard of double surnames. Niko has the -ov name of his father as a middle name as well, so it's not related to that. On top of that, Silva is a Spanish or Portuguese surname, per my research. I'm quite confused. > > Patty > >