Hi John It depended on when the registration took place (and if everyone understood the rules laid down) See http://home.clara.net/dixons/Certificates/births.htm for a fuller description Up until 1875 a birth "could" be registered with the mother giving the fathers name, without the father being present and in some circumstances his name would be omitted even if he were present. Best wishes Nivard Ovington, in Cornwall (UK) Admin for OVINGTON - HAYLOCK - SEYMOUR Lists > >From what I have been told, unmarried mothers were not allowed to put the > name of the father on the birth certificate, I was also told that husbands > who died before their child was born was also omitted from the certificate > ?....I am not sure if it still applies in both cases......I have a uncle > who's father died before he was born (a few weeks before) in 1933, his > fathers name does not appear on his certificate.....John