This blog by Barry Ewell is interesting for Surname Researchers (i.e. us Guild members) as to the evolution of surnames. This can be useful for North American researchers as to where an ancestor line may have originated. It doesn't help me with "Benedict" but might be useful to others. The blog site is at: http://genealogybybarry.com/genealogy-origins-surnames-become-americanized/ http://genealogybybarry.com/genealogy-surname-patronymics-provide-clues-to-c ountry-of-origin/ http://genealogybybarry.com/genealogy-surname-endings-provide-clues-to-count ry-of-origin-part-1/ http://genealogybybarry.com/genealogy-surname-endings-provide-clues-country- origin-part-2/ I have a personal story on surname conversion for practical reasons. My grandfather on my mother's side originally came from Alsace. At times Alsace was under German control; at other times under French control. The family name was Weber, but pronounced "Veeber". Granddad was brought to Canada with the whole family back in the 1890's. He grew up, married grandmother in Manitoba and that family, including my mom, moved to Calgary. During the war years (the Great War), there was animosity against anyone German or sounding German. Granddad was far more French than German, but couldn't get work. An easy fix: he told the family that from now on, the surname was spelled "Webber" and not "Weber" and my mom and her siblings were now of British. The family survived and granddad got work, thanks to one extra "B". Jim Benedict Guild Representative for Western Canada Guild of One-Name Studies: Guild member #4794 Calgary, Alberta www.BenedictGenerations.com ========================================================