In a message dated 03/02/2010 04:03:53 GMT Standard Time, relks@shaw.ca writes: Trust you will clearly note that descendants of Sarah Ann that use the family name are Elkington in name only. They are Jones's and the men do not carry Elkington Y-DNA, (from the male line). In following the male descent we are staying with the tradition of patrilineal names, just to keep things clear. There are other instances of children taking a mother Elkington surname and it is good to track them separately so that we can know their lineage is "name only". In this case we can say that the children are Jones's and in other cases it may be known or unknown. Hi, I am not concerned with the DNA for the work I am doing as it is a one name study of all Elkingtons legally entitled to that name by English Law. Legally the Elkington name belongs to these people whether the DNA matches or not and under the rules of the group I belong to I am obliged to enter them in my records if they are of the same name. Obviously in my notes I shall be entering something to that effect. In British Law a child takes his mother's surname if she is not married and I must therefore note these names. I was hoping that one of our American number may be able to help. Regards, JUDY ELKINGTON www.elkingtonfamily.com