Genealogy Chat

I have just discovered that a family name was originally 'Thiel' but as this was German was changed to 'Shiel' around the '14-'18 War. His marriage and children's births are registered in that name, but I don't know if the change was official. What name do I use in my tree to maximise on Hot Matches?

I would use both when you are researching your tree

I would suggest you use the name 'Shiel' when producing your tree on here and use the search tree's facility for the name 'Thiel'

You can only use one surname on the tree on here. Do not know of any genealogy sites where you can use both.

You can have 2 trees on here, but need to have 2 accounts, someone on here can explain how it's done. That way you can have 2 identical trees under the 2 difference spellings.

In order to legally change one's name, under English common law one has to stop using the old name and start using the new name. So long as it's not done for fraudulent purposes, that's it.

There are lots of name changes around. I presume we are talking about England, or Aengland as it once was. Where did they live - Middlesex? - another place that no longer exists.

Just go with what you're comfortable with.

Thank you all. My only fear is losing some hot matches, which have proved very useful.

You can use Search Trees at the top of the page to do your own "Hot Matches" for the name you are not using on your tree.

Good idea Pam

It's always difficult to decide. I have a number of surnames where the spelling has changed over the years, or has been misspelt eg in Church records. If in doubt I use the current name/spelling, but check all others.
I share ancestors with another member on here, where 2 brothers spelt their name differently in the 1600's, and this has continued to today, where you might say they are completely different names.

I remarried and my son changed his surname we had to do it through a soliciter

your tree on genes could you not double up put your family on twice using both surnames it would be a bit confusing but at least you wouldn't miss out on hot matches I have done simlar in the past as I have family with differant spellings as a lot of people were aliterate and spelt how it sounded

good Luck ;-)

Thank you Braken
I have named them all 'Thiel/Shiel' on my GG tree. I have no idea if this will work, but if not I can always change them back.

I don't think you'll get any matches from entering the names like that, surnames seem to be matched exactly.

The best thing would be to check regularly yourself.