Pam is right, Frank. Polly = Mary. We just can't leave names alone, us Scots :-) Janet = Jessie, Helen = Nellie; Alastair/Alexander = Sandy.... I've also come on the Polly/Mary practice in Devon & Cornwall, so it's not limited to us. Not sure if the rest of England did it. Not surprised at all that the habit got carried overseas :-) :-) le durachd Fionnghal in the bright sunny but frosty Highlands of Scotland > I have run across a situation where > my cousin in Scotland advises that all > they knew about an Aunt was that she was called > "Polly".  There was no one > called that in the family but it could have been one of > two.  It was either Mary Jane or Janet.