I have a similar situation, except that the individual was born before there was a state birth certificate.  He always used the stepfather's name.  Suggestions, George?  Joy Watkins --- On Tue, 2/17/09, Marilyn Schwartz <familyismytreasure@comcast.net> wrote: From: Marilyn Schwartz <familyismytreasure@comcast.net> Subject: Re: [GERMANNA] Unknown Names (LNU, MNU, FNU, etc., etc., ad infinitum) To: germanna_colonies@rootsweb.com Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2009, 5:19 PM Okay, George, we are learning. Now, how do we enter surnames into our databases that are changed for some reason other than marriage? My dad is an example of such a "special case." He was born in 1906 with the surname "Marks," but his birth certificate was lost in a courthouse fire in Montana. In his teen years assumed the surname of his stepdad, "Davis." The name was not legally changed, but when he applied for social security he had problems and went before a judge. The judge ruled, "Your name is what you call yourself." So, how do I enter "Marks" on my dad's genealogy entry? ****snip***