[Alkis]

Hi, I want to apply for dual citizenship and I believe that I have all the necessary documents proving my Greek heritage through my paternal Grandfather. However, one thing is missing... when he arrived in New York in 1912, he changed his name, as was common at that time. I don't seem to find anything that shows this was done. I am sure many people have faced this issue as well, so my question is, how do I prove that this is the same person?

[acrules3]

Have you found your paternal grandfather's inscription in the Military Records [Mitrwa arrenwn] in his municipality in Greece? That is the main document you need - if you have that, then everything else should be straightforward. His name will likely be transcribed as "xxxx or yyyy", where xxxx is his original Greek name and yyyy is his changed name. This process is straightforward and happens more than you would think.

[Alkis]

Thanks for the reply. My Grandfather was 14 years old when he came to America, and did not return for 50 years. I have the record of his Baptism from the municipality in Greece and all other documents that are required (marriage & birth certs) linking my heritage, but sometime between 1912 when he arrived (I have ship manifest), and 1918 when he was naturalized, his name was changed. I have the Naturalization papers, US military records, etc. and the name is a shorter (more American I guess) name, than his birth name. The Greek consulate says I must show a document proving that this is the same person. Also, for the record, his 5 siblings remained in Greece so I still have many relatives there. Thanks again for the reply and any other ideas are greatly appreciated!