Nena, I am confused. Your message indicates that the SMITHER(S) name was derived from the SCMETTERS (SCHMEDDERS) name. I thought that it was the other way around -- that most of us researching the various lines in the United States assume they come from SMITHER(S) who arrived here in the 1600's from the British Isles or Wales; and that some descendants married German women and adopted German spellings, language, and culture. My understanding is that this is why the German variations of the name were used by some in later generations. Thanks for all you continued research and sharing! Mitzi Mitzi Smetters <msmetters@ncweb.com> Visit our CyberHome at <www.ncweb.com/users/msmetters> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Nena Smothers" <smothersnena@hotmail.com> To: <SMOTHERS-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2003 9:48 AM Subject: [SMOTHERS] site for German naming patterns > Since the Smothers name, at least in our line appears to trace back to > Smeathers to Smathers to Smithers to Schmetters or Schmedders.....this is > really a good site to figure out why the German way sometimes used for > instance, Jurg or Anna or Maria so often in front of more than 1 child in > the family. Nena > > http://www.fuldaohio.com/german_names.htm >