This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Almquist, Cook, Dinn, Fairbairn, Peterson, Piel, Sly, Swanson Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/QdV.2ACIB/85.1.2.1 Message Board Post: Yes. Repetetive names are quite common. In fact, on my side of the family (Acadian) there are what is referred to as "dit" names. For instance, Joseph Chiasson dit LaRiviere is the Joseph who ran the ferry as opposed to another dit name which might mean he was the blacksmith, greengrocer, et cetera. My husband's Fairbairns are from Edinburgh, Scotland. The names William and Margaret are very common in the line. So, you look at what you find, verify the source 2-3 times, and you have found "your" ancestors. Happy hunting!