It was the Catholic tradition in Trier-Luxembourger heritage families in Illinois and Iowa in the 1800's to name a child for his godparent of the same sex. Since my grandfather and his much younger brother had godfathers with the same Christian name, Nicholas, they ended up as Nicholas and Nicholas J. a necessity, since they only lived about 8 blocks away from one another in the same town. At least they knew how to get the mail to the right person, since the last name is fairly uncommen--LIES--said to be of Luxembourg descent, but so far I am unable to find where... grand pa was born in 1869 and his father, also Nicholas in 1827-28....which if another reason it has been hard to trace....All generations are at least 40 years between, 1828-1869-1909-1947.......if anyone has a clue on the location in Lux....help!!!!!! Sansu