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Name Variations in Canadian Indexes and Records (view source)
Revision as of 16:21, 8 September 2010
, 8 September 2010Transferring from Research Guidance
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Compare the copy of the record with the original record, watching for the suggestions made in the table above. | Compare the copy of the record with the original record, watching for the suggestions made in the table above. | ||
===Step 4. Look for relatives in an index. === | === Step 4. Look for relatives in an index. === | ||
Look for the names of parents, children, brothers or sisters, and uncles or aunts in the index. If you find relatives in the index, view the original record to see if the person you want is mentioned in the record but was missed by the indexer. | Look for the names of parents, children, brothers or sisters, and uncles or aunts in the index. If you find relatives in the index, view the original record to see if the person you want is mentioned in the record but was missed by the indexer. | ||
For further information on this principle, see [[Your Ancestor had a FAN Club|Your Ancestor had a FAN Club]]. | For further information on this principle, see [[Your Ancestor had a FAN Club|Your Ancestor had a FAN Club]]. | ||
==Background== | |||
It is frustrating to go to an index or a record where you believe your ancestor should appear and not find the person listed. This happens for a number of reasons. | |||
In the past, people were not consistent about the spelling of their surnames. For example, Shakespeare spelled his own name several different ways. Do not rely on the spelling of a surname as a proof in genealogy. Thinking of alternative spellings is a key to success in genealogy research. | |||
Handwriting has changed considerably over the centuries. Therefore, learn to recognize "ff" or "fs" as the old form of a double "s." Other similar keys for letter recognition will help you recognize your ancestor's name when you see it. | |||
Many were illiterate and could not tell a record keeper how to spell their name. Others came to Canada from different countries. Either the person or a record keeper may have translated a French Canadian name into English or modified the spelling of the name in records, or the record keeper may have misunderstood the informant when he said his name. | |||
All these factors explain why sometimes it is a challenge to find your ancestor in records, even when the person is there. | |||