I always list the original surname as the true surname and then list "also known as" (in a section my program has) name and add notes if necessary on why the name changed if known. How do y'all handle this? Jennie In a message dated 2/18/2009 3:26:04 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, germanna_colonies-request@rootsweb.com writes: 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? Sometimes I've been entering it as a second middle name, sometimes in parentheses. I believe "Davis" should be recorded as his surname, since everyone knew him as Davis, his wife and kids were named Davis, and his tombstone says Davis. Is there any convention for such cases? **************Need a job? Find an employment agency near you. (http://yellowpages.aol.com/search?query=employment_agencies&ncid=emlcntusyelp00000003)