This sounds akin to what I've been told was the German custom of giving children an "honorary" first name. Some say this was a Saint's name, others that it could be that of a revered leader or ancestor. In the 16-1700s these were Protestants, but I suppose it could have been a Catholic naming convention they continued to follow. In an on-line search, I have been unable to confirm this naming pattern, but in actual research I have come across families where every son was given the same first name - e.g. "Johann", but was always known by his middle name. The same for daughters, where "Maria" seems to have been a favorite. My late husband's immigrant ancestor was Johann Antony or Antonius Beck. He anglicized his name and was known in America as Anthony. Has anyone else heard of this custom? If so, was it restricted to Germany? Virginia > I thought that the "middle" name's origin (was equivalent to) the > "Christian Name" vs "Given Name" naming convention from the Catholic > Church. -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.362 / Virus Database: 267.13.11/191 - Release Date: 12/2/2005