Someone points to the home of William Bridge and asks, "Who lives there?" "The Bridges," a man answers. We find Wood - Woods and other names with and without the final S. More often than not the final S seems to indicate the entire family and that's how the tax collector writes it. Italians did the same, i.e., Tedesco becomes Tedeschi. But Tedesco often remains unchanged. In Wales it's always Matthews but Thomas is always Thomas. I'd be interested in other explanations. So glad to see you on the list, Gordon. Gary Radcliffe West Covina, CA