Ok two questions. Question one: Ok, I have an ancestor who has in his death index the name Gräf after his forename ( Milde, Carl Christian Gräf). The Gräf is not used in his baptismal name. I have other people where it appears the last name is Gräf. These people, I do not think are related to any royal family. Is it unusual to see "Gräf" used as a name rather than a title? ============================================================================ Question 2: Also, I'd like to confirm an entry in my research so I know for sure what a proper entry for a royal looks like. I have two batismal records for the Solmsische Stallmeister Hn. Eyersmann's children (no relation) the first is: Wilhelmina Christina, get. 17 Nov 1699 (P. Hochgeb Gräffin & FR. Wlihemine Christina zu Solms) This would be Wilhelmine Cristina the Countess of Solms, correct? The next entry is: Ludvig, geb 9. 5. 1704 (P. H. Graff Ludvig Henrich Graf zu Solms, Herr zu Munzenb.) This would be Ludvig Henrich Count of Solms [and Assenheim], of Munzenberg, right? Both Ludvig Henrich and his wife Wilhelmine Christine are buried in Assenheim (1728 and 1745 respectively). They had issue, among others, of: 4) Johan Ernst Carl Graf zu Solms-Rodelheim und Assenheim, and 5) Karl Christian Heinrich (*killed in a duel in 1745). These two could be the sponsors on the record for my ancestor Carle Christian Milde, even though the "Christian Heinrich" is reversed in the index transcription. Or am I way off? Neither of them would have been adults in 1725 and Johan Ernst Carl would not yet have been the count, he was second in line at this time. I think these two are the most likely candidates for the sponsors as no last name is given and both of them lived in Assenheim (at least part of the time). Thanks, Brian