In a message dated 1/21/2007 12:15:12 AM Central Standard Time, ohlorain-request@rootsweb.com writes: most Germans use their MIDDLE name as their CALLING name Using the middle name in Germany as the "calling" name does happen, however it appears to be the exception. Another rarity in Germany is use of the wife's surname after marriage. Both conditions add to the degree of difficulty in tracing the family. Bob