Hi Robyn, When checking the censuses for Newington-next-Hythe, in Kent, I found: On the 1851, a Mercy Maycock, age 3. On the 1861, no Mercy, but there was a Matilda, age 13. On the 1871, no Mercy, but Matilda again, aged 23. On the 1881 and thereafter, neither of them. Problem solved by finding a gravestone, in Newington churchyard, for Matilda Mercy Maria Maycock, died 1872. Sometimes people, or their families, just get tired of one forename and use another, especially if they have plenty to choose from, as above. Rgds, John ------------------------------- > Hi listers, > I have found a possible ancestor with the christian name of Mercy > (female) but when looking for her name in the IGI, it often comes up as > Mary. Question is, are the two names interchangeable, entirely seperate > names or is Mercy a 'nick-name' for Mary??? > Her surname is unkown, but she married Charles MILLER and had a son > George MILLER c1787, possibly in Eastling. The only entry I could find > for a George was with parents Charles and Mary Colcot. > Any help appreciated. > Robyn of Oz.