Surname Changes & Variations
Your family's surname has most likely not always been the same one you have now. Learn how and why our ancestors' surnames have changed through the centuries and get tips for searching for these alternate surname spellings and variations.
Tips for Finding Alternate Surname Spellings & Variations
Many genealogists, both beginner and advanced, fail in the quest for their ancestors because they don't take the time to search for anything other than the obvious spelling variants. Don't let that happen to you! Get inspired when searching for alternative surname spellings with these quick tips.
Many genealogists, both beginner and advanced, fail in the quest for their ancestors because they don't take the time to search for anything other than the obvious spelling variants. Don't let that happen to you! Get inspired when searching for alternative surname spellings with these quick tips.
Common Nicknames & Their Origins
Did you know that Great Aunt Patsy may actually have been named Martha? Or that Grandpa Teddy was Edward, not Theodore? Learning about common nicknames may help you uncover missing clues to your ancestors.
Did you know that Great Aunt Patsy may actually have been named Martha? Or that Grandpa Teddy was Edward, not Theodore? Learning about common nicknames may help you uncover missing clues to your ancestors.
Creativity Required - Searching Out Surname Variations
Many genealogists, both beginner and advanced, fail in the quest for their ancestors because they don't take the time to search for anything other than the obvious spelling variants. Don't let that happen to you! Get inspired when searching for alternative surname spellings with these quick tips.
Many genealogists, both beginner and advanced, fail in the quest for their ancestors because they don't take the time to search for anything other than the obvious spelling variants. Don't let that happen to you! Get inspired when searching for alternative surname spellings with these quick tips.
Name Changes at Ellis Island - Dispelling the Urban Legend
Learn the reasons why it is very unlikely that your family name was changed at Ellis Island.
Learn the reasons why it is very unlikely that your family name was changed at Ellis Island.
Do You Ear What I Ear?
Mishearing and misinterpreting words and phrases can cause problems genealogically in several situations, including surname changes. From Michael John Neill for Ancestry Daily News.
Mishearing and misinterpreting words and phrases can cause problems genealogically in several situations, including surname changes. From Michael John Neill for Ancestry Daily News.
Genealogy.com - Name & Word Spellings
This brief how-to covers why surname spelling inconsistencies exist, problems with pronunciation, and errors caused by handwriting and typos.
This brief how-to covers why surname spelling inconsistencies exist, problems with pronunciation, and errors caused by handwriting and typos.
Relearn the Spelling of Your Surname
An excellent article by George G. Morgan on why you should be sure to look for surname variations, the reasons behind some of these variations, and several ways to come up with possible variations on your own.
An excellent article by George G. Morgan on why you should be sure to look for surname variations, the reasons behind some of these variations, and several ways to come up with possible variations on your own.
Spelling Doesn't Count
Instead of narrowing your research opportunities with exact surname spellings, it is important to expand them as much as possible with every possible spelling. From Donna Przecha.
Instead of narrowing your research opportunities with exact surname spellings, it is important to expand them as much as possible with every possible spelling. From Donna Przecha.
Surnames Sound a Challenge for Researchers
This article by Gary R. Toms and James Pylant focuses on cases where the spelling of a surname does not match the pronunciation.
This article by Gary R. Toms and James Pylant focuses on cases where the spelling of a surname does not match the pronunciation.
Why U Can't Find Your Ancestors
"Misspeld Names: A Commun Probblem for Reeserchors" by Julia M. Case, Myra Vanderpool Gormley, and Rhonda McClure present an excellent resource on surname spelling variations.
"Misspeld Names: A Commun Probblem for Reeserchors" by Julia M. Case, Myra Vanderpool Gormley, and Rhonda McClure present an excellent resource on surname spelling variations.