In a message dated 98-07-08 00:52:36 EDT, you write: > > The main reason, I believe, that the list was named "Geiger" was that it > was the original name of our Kyger family and many other spellings. The > original Geigers who came to this country couldn't speak English and I > doubt if many of the English speaking people could speak German. So, it > depends on how good an ear you have for sounds. Remember, our forefathers > were not educated as we are today. I never saw the message Kay refers to come through the list but the list is called Geiger-L because that is what it is about--a family of researchers studying Geiger and all related (and possibly related) surnames. When dealing with Germanic surnames you cannot be too strict with spellings or you will miss many an ancestor. I recently pointed out just such a case where the surname Gücker became Geiger in America. In most other instances Geiger either remained Geiger or became Kiger or Kyger--read the description of this list posted on Rootsweb's Webpage--it specifically mentions those variatons of the surname. Not all Geigers are from one root family. The name means "fiddler" or musician" and many families with this surname arose at an early date due to their association with music. Many Swiss Geigers were originally Gyger, Giger, Gieger, or similar and some remain so today. This is a forum to discuss all of the above and any other variations of the name. Posts to the list are encouraged that discuss any variations of the name and allied families with these Geigers. Although I subscribe to this list in both digest and mail mode I never saw the quote Kay refers to but I would remind our list members that flames will not be tolerated on this list. If anyone has a question or problem with the list, or with something that anyone posts to the list, please contact me and I will deal with it. Also, if any of you should receive a flame from someone on the list feel free to contact me and I will handle the matter. Joan M. Young, list moderator GEIGER-L@rootsweb.com