Recording surnames

Elizabeth Lawson1

I'm currently indexing South African deceased estate files. I have a death notice that shows maiden name, first marriage surname and second marriage surname. Is it correct to list in this order in the Deceased's Surname section? With a space between each name? Thank you

John Empoliti

Hi @Elizabeth Lawson1

The answer is yes, you are correct. Check the General Indexing Guidelines (GIG) - it should be the 3rd section of your Project Instructions. You should see a link for Surnames leading to this citation below or something like it. I’ve highlighted the pertinent sentence. Always check the GIG for general questions.

Surnames

• Do not assume the surname of an individual based on the surname of someone else, such • Do not assume the surname of an individual based on the surname of someone else, such as a parent or a spouse, unless directed otherwise in the project instructions. as a parent or a spouse, unless directed otherwise in the project instructions.

• Type the maiden name before the current or former surnames. A maiden name was often • Type the maiden name before the current or former surnames. A maiden name was often indicated by the words “née” or “born as.” A maiden name may also have been written in indicated by the words "née" or "born as." A maiden name may also have been written in parentheses.