Several have inquired about this so will post to everyone. Scottish naming pattern: First son named after dad's father, Second son named after mom's dad, Third son named after dad. First daughter named after mom's mother, Second daughter named after dad's mother, Third daughter named after mom. This is typical enough so that it is called a naming pattern. Occasionally families had their own traditions. If all dads in the family were named John, they might opt to name just one son John, or they might name all three John. The old rule that a second child with the same name meant that the first child died is typical in Scotland as well, BUT as with all "rules" not all followed it. I have found my families in Campbeltown, Argyl, and Arran Island, Bute were about 95% faithful in following the custom. Made for a long line of Nathaniel, Archibald, Nathaniel, Archibald's. Use the pattern as a clue, but understand that there may have been exceptional circumstances that caused a family to deviate from custom. Karen