This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: GordonPertJohnson Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.scotland.general/4202.4235.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: ** You have made an unwarranted assumption. There was no "correct" spelling until very recent times. The concept did not exist in earlier times. The IGI is neither complete nor comprehensive - it ignores the pre-Reformation period. One can find the surname Speedie/Speedy as Speddy and Spuddy in the 1540s (Protocol book of James Foulis), and the 1520s as Speithy/Spethy (Protocol book of John Foulis) The IGI makes assumptions about variant spellings, but often fails to recognise a variant for what it is. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.