NOBODY had their names changed for them at Ellis Island. That's a myth. People changed their names on their own, usually once they arrived here and saw where the job prospects were. There was no "name change policy" administered to immigrants. There is not a single shred of evidence, not a changed manifest, not a piece of paper, a book, a passport, that says "This is now your name _______________". It just didn't happen there.

Wait--there's one execption. A lot of couples were married at Ellis, because unaccompanied young women weren't allowed intp the U.S. (for fear they'd become fallen women!), their fiances had to meet and marry them there. The old double standard. And in the old practice about married names, I'm sure they arrived as "Miss Smith" and left as "Mrs. Jones."

Clint, think how lucky you are. You can change your name. Curmudgeon has already been taken, however. :)

SRS