What is the correct way to enter a hispanic surname to Family Tree?

bittersusanlouise1

I'm used to using the father's surname for the children but I am seeing a lot of mother's surnames. Before I make changes to the tree, I would like to know if there is a policy or rule to follow?

Example: Benita Garza Elizondo

Father: Aniceto Garza

Mother: Bacilia Elizondo

MNuttall

Hello @bittersusanlouise1

While your question isn't really addressed directly, you might find the information in this article and the related articles useful:

https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/how-to-enter-names-in-family-tree

• The Research Wiki has this to say about Spanish Surnames:
• 
  
• The typical Spanish name has four parts: first given name, second given name, father's surname, and mother's surname.
• When a woman marries a man, she keeps her maiden surname.
• Often, the practice is to use one given name and the first surname most of the time (e.g. "Miguel de Unamuno" for Miguel de Unamuno y Jugo); the complete name is typically reserved for legal, formal, and documentary matters. 

Hopefully this information will guide you as you enter the Spanish surnames in Family Tree.

Sanra

Hi @bittersusanlouise1

You could enter one (ie. Maiden name) in the Details section, and add the other forms of the name, with the parents surnames, in the Other Information section, so either one or all configurations can be found. It will also bring up any Record Hints that may be useful to attach.

dontiknowyou

Unfortunately the Help Center article is Spain-centric and not global. I recommend let the historical records guide you.

dontiknowyou

Many nations' naming practices are outlined on the FamilySearch research wiki. Start here: https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Category:Personal_Names