Genealogy Chat

In tracing one area of the tree, I have come across more than one instance of a marriage between a bachelor and a widow. My question is - which name do I enter, the name at marriage or the maiden name? It may sound a bit thick, but the grey matter does not seem to be working at the moment. Paul

I agree marnie…. But what a nightmare its going to be for later generation to check back when you have some women that have change there names and others that have kept there maiden name after marriage……

Hi Paul, I always put them down under their maiden name and put their 'first' married name (from when they were widowed) in any notes that I keep. I assume that because they are linked to their husband, they will still be able to be traced by their married name too. Mandy :)

Not as confusing as a couple we know, who upon their marriage, both adopted the husband's middle name and surname which they double barrelled. Thank goodness they haven't got children to carry on the line and research their tree!

Thanks for your answers everyone. I have just found another couple of them. My name summary is going to drop off the screen at this rate. Paul

I think I made it easier for future generations. After my divorce in 1977 I went back to my maiden name. When I married again in 1989 I used my maiden name but included my married name on the certificate. My name went something like Maiden name formerly known as married name. In the index it is just under my maiden name though, but the certificate should put anyone right.

Even more confusing Carol. A woman does not have to adopt the husbands name, it's tradition. When a woman divorces she can revert to birthname (not exactly the same as maiden) or keep married name or any name she wishes (luckily most don't). The normal format is formally "birth name", late(ly) "marriedname". A better way would be to use nee to indicate birthname but bit too late now.