Genealogy Chat

Hi All I'm new to this and have a question about Maiden names. I am wondering if there is any convention of how to enter them? As for females there is only one box to enter a surname. (Should I enter there maiden name here or there married name?) I would have thought that having a specific box for each would have made sense so that you can find connections between people more easily? Any advice would be appreciated :-) Best Regards Mike

Hi - when recording your family tree you should always use maiden names of women. If you enter a woman under her married surname then it will appear as though she is a blood relative of her husband. Regards Athena

you should enter the maiden name of the female

The point about entering the maiden name is that that is the name that will appear on the birth certificate or parish register. If you're trying to trace the woman's ancestors that's the name you need. Besides, what if a woman married more than once? Which married name would you use? The maiden name, on the other hand, is unique.

Micheal, If you put married names for the females on your tree it would make your tree very different to every one else. So stick by unmarried names for all females it is much easier to keep you past in order. Also if a sister to one of your rellatives was unmarried well she would be entered in someone else part of your tree.

Remember that marriage does NOT change a woman's surname. Bob

Thanks for the advice guys :-)