Genealogy Basics: Recording Names

There are standard ways on how to record names, dates and places. Here, we will discuss how to input names properly:

(Note: Rules on how to input names differ from one genealogical software program to another. Make sure that you understand the directions properly and get it right the first time.)

1.Names should be recorded in their natural order: first, middle and last name (surname).
Always use full names if known. Example: William Robertson JONES
Middle initial can be used if the middle name is not known. Example: William R. JONES

2.SURNAMES should be printed in upper case letters. This helps to distinguish the last name from the first and the middle name and provides easy scanning on pedigree charts. This is not necessary but it is widely used. Ex.: Michelle Adams TUCKER.

3.Woman’s name should be entered with her maiden name instead of husband’s name. If the maiden name is known, enter her first name followed by her maiden in enclosed in a parenthesis. If the maiden name is unknown, enter her first name followed by an empty parenthesis (). You can also opt to enter the husband’s surname as long as you are consistent in using it. Ex. 1: Sandra (Mayer). Ex. 2: Sandra () CALLOWAY. In both examples your ancestor Sandra is married to Quincy Calloway.

4.In case of multiply marriages (for woman), enter her given name, followed by her maiden name in parenthesis followed by the last name of her previous husband in order of marriage. Ex.: Bernadette (Kingsley) RICE ANDREWS. In this example, your ancestor Bernadette Kingsley was married to Richard RICE before marrying Alvin ANDREWS.

5.If your ancestor has a nickname that is commonly used, include it by using quotations after the first name. Do not place it inside a parenthesis (parenthesis between the first name and the husband’s name is used for maiden name) or do not use it as a substitute to the first name. Ex.: William “Bill” BRADLEY

6.If your ancestor has been adopted or has changed name, thus is known by more than 2 names, indicate the alternate name using a parenthesis after the surname and preceded by a.k.a. Ex.: Wesley MORGAN (a.k.a. Wesley JAMES).

7.If the spelling if the surname of your ancestor has changed ever time (maybe because your ancestor has changed his surname after migrating), write the earlier usage followed by the later usage. Example: John BRIEN/BRYAN.

8.Note significant name details such as if the name of your female ancestor is the same with her husband’s surname. This is to avoid future assumption that the name was entered incorrectly.

 FIRST NAME

 LAST NAME

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