I have very similar surname patterns in my family. Several of my mid-19thC ancestors from Dumfries were given surnames as middle names. Some I have found to be mother's maiden names which have then been carried on into subsequent generations. One is named Burns - presumably after Robbie ! but there are several for which I haven't found a source of the name yet. It can be very helpful in linking families together, and finding marriages etc., but can lead you up the wrong track if they were named after a family friend! Alison __________________________________________________________________ Get Tiscali Broadband From £15:99 http://www.tiscali.co.uk/products/broadband