Here is a useful website for people researching unusual names etc it gives explanations of the origins. http://www.rootsmap.com/ What is RootsMap? RootsMap specialises in providing Surname Distribution Maps to help in the search for a particular surname. Using the 1881 Census as a data source, a map can show the likely origin of a surname in the UK. What is a surname distribution map? A surname distribution map takes the incidence of occurrence of a particular name and transfers that information to a map. Most of RootsMap UK distribution maps are based on data from the 1881 census and are available showing either place of residence or place of birth at the time of the Census. Both of these interpretations will be of interest to anyone researching a particular surname. Other maps based on IGI data are also available. We have no connections with Rootsmap or any of its subsiduaries. Chris and Caroline --- All of our Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. And attachments are also scanned before being added. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.491 / Virus Database: 290 - Release Date: 18/06/2003