Question: How and why was my ancestor's name changed when he landed at Ellis Island? Did the inspector at Ellis Island misunderstand what he said? Answer: No Because: The clerks at Ellis Island didn't write down names. So! What happened then? Good article here . . . http://www.genealogy.com/88_donna_print.html And here . . . http://uscis.gov/graphics/aboutus/history/articles/NameEssay.html Slan Henry --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.706 / Virus Database: 462 - Release Date: 14/06/2004