Handling Last Name changes in FamilySearch

JohnsonChristopherF

Handling Last Name changes in FamilySearch

Is there a preferred method to handle family name changes in Family Search as Swedish families migrate away from the Patronymic system? For example Afred Harry (Anderson) Hasslinger, listed on line 19 in Skepparslöv (L) AIIa:3 (1921-1945) Image 900 / Page 284, both his patronymic name and new last name are listed. In most other records only Anderson is listed, and in at least one other record only the name Hasslinger is listed. Do we list his birth name as Andersson, and show Hasslinger as an alternate last name? Do we list both names as last names e.g. Andersson Hasslinger. I don't think FS likes parentheses like (Andersson) Hasslinger.

 

Part 2 of the question - is there an article that gives some history of the migration of family names away from the patronymic system. From what I can see, it appears to have happened earlier in some areas than others, and appears sometimes to be associated with military service - name changed when they went into military service.

 

Thanks for your help!

Norm Baker

This excellent article by Hans Högman may answer both of your questions: http://www.hhogman.se/naming-practice-sweden.htm

JohnsonChristopherF

You're right - excellent article. It does not, however address whether FS has a preference as to how multiple Surnames are handled. Any thoughts there?

Norm Baker

This is what is suggested in Family Search: https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-enter-my-ancestors-name-if-it-changed?articleVariant=public

 

Basically, it is a good idea to put all the names that you know of as "Alternate names" but I put in the birth name as the person's name in the vitals section of the tree. I know others, however, who do it differently.

 

This article may be of use, as well: https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/how-to-enter-names-in-family-tree

JohnsonChristopherF

Great. Thanks again