Zambia 1951-2019 MQR2-P6M
I am indexing baptism records in Zambia, I seems some names of parents list a usual first name of a parents such as Julia as a surname, should type them as I see them?
Answers
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When indexing records for FamilySearch, the general rule of thumb is to type what you see. This ensures the digital index accurately reflects the original document, even if the information seems unusual or incorrectly formatted.
For the Zambia Baptism Records, here is how you should handle those names:
1. Follow the "Type What You See" Rule
If a name like "Julia" is clearly written in the space designated for the surname, you should index it as the surname. You should not move names around based on what you believe the "correct" first or last name should be.
2. Context of Naming Customs
In many African contexts, including Zambia, naming conventions can differ from Western "Given Name + Surname" structures. It is common for a father's first name to be used as a child's surname, or for names to be recorded in a specific order that may look like two first names to an outside observer. By indexing exactly as written, you preserve the record's integrity.
3. When to Use "Unknown"
- If the surname field is completely blank, press Ctrl+U (or the "Unknown" button) to mark it as such.
- Do not use "Unknown" if there is a name written there, even if that name looks like a first name.
4. Direct Guidance
The FamilySearch Community and the project’s specific Indexing Instructions (usually found in the blue "Project Instructions" link on your indexing screen) are the ultimate authorities. Most project instructions specifically state:
"If a name is not identified as a given name or a surname, type the names in the order they were written."
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