I think the names of the Germans were just put down as they sounded in English. For example... Daub.. in german I am told, the B is pronounced p, so it sounded like doup or dope, and that is the way it was written down.. the spelling doupe, is the way it is now.. and the correct pronounciation is "dope" not doupee or dupe, but i guess no one want to be called a doupe, :)) but I guess no matter how you prounce it, you are still a descendant of the Irish palatines, and you belong to a rich heritage. Judy From Ontario. I have the Ruttles in my new pages.. www.geocities.com/keepsakebook with a few pictures, etc. also in my genealogy page. www.geocities.com/judydrysdale under Barbara Heck is a newpaper article which is very interesting.