Genealogy Chat

I have found 3 variations on surname in one family e.g. Mowlson/Moleston/Moulson. These variations appear in one generation of father and children. When entering them on my tree what is the best way to do it just go for 1 version or apply the variations according to the IGI

I have the same issue with 2 or 3 spelling differences for the same surname. For instance the name Pickerell. Other records I have say Pickrell or Pickerill. I put all 3 on my tree figuring there are probably other people with the same spelling variations.

On my GR tree I enter them as spelling found in the hope that someone else has found them but doesnt know what the correct spelling is. On my own tree, I enter the correct spelling with found spelling in brackets.

Andrew, Don't trust the spellings on IGI. They are often incorrect. Can you find the corresponding records on FreeBMD? I find these often differ from IGI. Crista

I have a family name with 2 spellings in my tree. and untill I find out which is the right one I have put one as the name and made a note of the other at the bottom of the info column

I have 9 variations in 12 generations. I usually enter them as found in the earliest record (baptismal record). Who is to say which is the right one? Do I take my current surname and send it backwards through the ages? Then it will conflict with those whose families have adopted a different version. Do I take the earliest spelling and send it forwards, changing my own name in the process? And who is to say that if I get back another generation or two I won't find a different variation. Why is it never easy?

I don't think you can say there is a 'right' spelling. I record them how they appear in the original records, which was usually how the vicar of the time felt it should be spelled. If you just stick to one way of spelling the name you have less chance of finding connections unless the sites you use have Soundex. A friend of mine was more than happy when I found her Herring ancestors were recorded in earlier records as Heron. Much nicer a bird than a fish.

If you go far enough back the spellings certainly weren't definitive. I bought a Docs Online file of the probate copy of my great x10 grandfather's Will. His surname is given as Nuland, but his son's as Newland. Christine

When i enter a spelling of a name which is different my software will allow me to use AKA (Also Known As) That way i can see all the different variations of their nameand i can alter at any time which variation i wish to use. Steve.