Another listmember sent the main URL for this site, but I had some difficulty accessing it. I was able to get to the page listed below, which has answers to most of the questions asked about these German naming patterns -- including "just Johann" Re my original post: I did receive one private criticism telling me I was wrong about Johannes being a diminutive of Johann -- that both are names in theri own right. Since I am six generations from my own German roots, and far from an expert on German names, I thought I should also mention this comment. Regards, Virginia http://www.kerchner.com/germname.htm --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.166 / Virus Database: 79 - Release Date: 6/20/00