>From "The Electronic Genealogist": Names are a key element of our research, but we all too often fail to realize that first names can tell us a lot, and even provide leads that we might not otherwise have. Behind the Name - The Etymology and History of First Names is a site that can provide you with the colorful information about names - history, meaning, and so on - but which can also provide you with some ideas, in some cases, that just might help you break a brick wall or two. You'll find the site at: http://www.behindthename.com/ One of my cousin-in-laws, Vicki Arrington, called this site to my attention Thanks, Vicki. Like many good sites, this one is not terribly complex. But you need to think while you use it in order to get the most benefit. For example, I started looking at the site by just reading down a few names in the "A" category. I found the name AATAMI a short way down the list. It was noted as being a Finnish form of Adam, and Adam was linked, so I clicked the link. Adam is listed as being "English, French, German, Polish, Russian, Romanian, and Biblical". The name carries this description: "This is the Hebrew word for 'man'. It could be ultimately derived from Hebrew adam meaning 'to be red', referring to the ruddy colour of human skin, or from Assyrian adamu meaning 'to make'. According to Genesis in the Old Testament Adam was created from the earth by God (there is a word play on Hebrew adamah 'earth'). He and Eve were supposedly the first humans, living happily in the Garden of Eden until Adam ate a forbidden fruit given to him by Eve." Okay. That's interesting flavor, but what's the big deal? What? You missed it? AATAMI is *Finnish*. So you're looking for this ancestor and he has a strange first name. You don't know the first thing about him - but suddenly his first name has just told you that he's Finnish - perhaps lived in the country, might have even been born there. Certainly his family is very likely to have a Finnish connection. That's a good clue - and it came from a name that probably sounded very strange indeed to you... But consider it from another angle. The name "Adam" doesn't have an obvious Finnish connection (see the list of countries above), and it is possible that, if he emigrated from Finland, he used a name form suitable to his new country. So, let's say he immigrated into the USA and became known as Adam. You have some records in Finland, but haven't been able to find him in the USA where he's supposed to have gone. Now you've got a different name to work with, and it's entirely possible you'll find him under that variation of his name. Note that it is important to read the entire listing. Note this description, for example: AGATHA f English Pronounced: AG-a-tha Derived from the Greek adjective agathos meaning "good". Saint Agatha was a 3rd-century martyr from Sicily. After spurning the advances of a Roman official she was tortured and had her breasts cut off before being killed. The mystery writer Agatha Christie is a famous modern bearer of this name. Now, what's wrong with that listing? Well, we're told that the name is English in origin, with no other references. But when we read the description, we're suddenly informed that the word derives from the Greek, and further that Saint Agatha was a Sicilian. So now we know that the name has Sicilian and Greek roots as well - and those could be helpful clues during the research. Conniesue --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.423 / Virus Database: 238 - Release Date: 11/25/02