HI.Nicknames not only refer to standard changes like John to Jack . In central New South Wales Australia early 1900`s we have 3 boys who were given sensible names like Stephen William, but were always known as Tom-Dick and Harry and what`s more frustrating they were married as Tom-Dick and Harry and entered as such on some of their children`s birth certificates . Family history can be frustrating . Laurie whose wife descended from The Pates from Scotland -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of WILLIAM PATE Sent: Wednesday, 14 July 2010 7:56 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [PATE] OBIT ~ Matthew J Pate 1938 Wilson NC I had a good friend who was nicknamed Jack (why, I don't know). His given name was Gordon. On the other hand, my uncle, John Calvin Smith III was nicknamed Jack. Another uncle whose given name was Gordon was nicknamed Pete. Go figure. Bill Pate