I hyave only just rejoined, so may be posting something already said on this subject. Whilst there is a customary pattern, there is no guarantee that every family followed it: there are all sorts of reasons for deviating, eg 1. both grandfathers/grandmothers had the same name. 2. one of the parents has fallen out with his own parents/in laws. 3. thanking a local benefactor, or even creeping round the minister/laird etc. 4. the father and one or both grandfathers have the same name 5. at certain times, children were named after the latest addition to the royal family, see how Albert suddenly became popular. 6. one of the grandparents died so long ago that the parent involved can not remember him/her, and perhaps wishes to honour a step parent. 7. I am sure you can all add to this list, 8. no reason at all ! So take the sequence as a guide, not a guarantee. Donald Massey (glad my father did not name me after his father !)