When adding or editing a Name in Family Tree, what constitutes an actual 'Title'? In the early years

Susan Boyd Nielsen

When adding or editing a Name in Family Tree, what constitutes an actual 'Title'? In the early years of Family Search, it was stated that this should only be for a title the person was born with like Prince, King, Duchess, rather than Dr or Capt...

Dr or Captain seem to be something that is an occupation or status.

Paul W

I know some users do like to add a title to their relatives' names, but I would agree that one should only be shown if it applied from birth. So, certainly add such detail in the Other Information section, but I would find it no more appropriate to add such titles / abbreviations (as Dr., Capt., Rev., etc.) to the "Person page" than inputting a married name (for a woman), instead of the name she was born with!

Brett .

@Susan Boyd Nielsen​ 

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Susan

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What constitutes an actual "Title"?

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That is a good question ...

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But, lets not get TOO deep in to that ...

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Trying keep it simple ...

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'Times' and 'Things', "Change" ...

So does the USE of, "Titles"; and, "Suffixes", for 'Names' ...

"Titles"; and, "Suffixes", for 'Names', are certainly NOT limited to the "Nobility".

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And, from the outset ...

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Please understand, that I am NOT referencing SIMPLE "Suffixes" such as, "Junior"; or, “Jr.”; or, "Senior"; or, “Sr.,” or, Roman numeral, as in “John Smith III.”; or, the like, that are in "Common" Use - the exception being, where such are "Record" on OFFICAIL, "Birth"; "Marriage"; or, "Death", records.

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That is another matter ...

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Here, I am referencing, those who are entitled, whose "Name", includes that of either or both, an ACUTAL, "Title"; and/or, "Suffix".

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Just my thoughts ...

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I agree with 'Paul' that those, who are entitled, whose "Name", includes that of either or both, a "Title"; and/or, "Suffix" [ie. "Pre or Post - Nominal Letters" ( also called, "Pre or Post - Nominal Initials"; or, "Pre or Post - Nominal Titles"; or, "Designatory Letters")] can and SHOULD be included as "Alternate Names" in the "Other Information" Section.

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But ...

That said ...

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As, the OPTIONS of, both, "Titles"; and/or, "Suffixes", are available (ie. they exist) in "Family Tree" of 'FamilySearch', for a "Name", in the "Vitals" Section ...

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Then ...

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For those (of ANY note) who are entitled, whose "Name", includes that of either or both a "Title" or "Suffix" [ie. "Pre or Post - Nominal Letters" ( also called, "Pre or Post - Nominal Initials"; or, "Pre or Post - Nominal Titles"; or, "Designatory Letters")]; THEN, there is NOTHING wrong with including such, "Titles"; and, "Suffixes".

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Whereas ...

That said ...

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Such a decision rests with the individual User/Patron.

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Obviously ...

[ for the "Name" in the "Vitals" Section in "Family Tree" of 'FamilySearch' ... ]

Some Users/Patrons will want or like such, "Titles"; or, "Suffixes".

Whereas, some Users/Patrons will NOT want or like such, "Titles"; or, "Suffixes".

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There is NO 'hard or fast rule' ...

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Here are some "Knowledge Articles" in 'FamilySearch":

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[ "Family Tree" of 'FamilySearch' ... ]

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How should I enter names in Family Tree?

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

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Where is states (among other things):

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Title ... If a person does not have a title, leave this field blank. 

Suffix ... If a person does not have a suffix, leave this field blank. 

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So, conversely ...

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Title ... If a person DOES have a title, then, include that, if you wish. 

Suffix ... If a person DOES have a suffix, then, include that, if you wish. 

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[ "Indexing" in 'FamilySearch' ... ]

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How do I index name titles or terms?

https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-index-name-titles-or-terms

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How should I index titles for royalty or nobility?

https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/how-should-i-index-titles-for-royalty-or-nobility

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How do I index the names of Catholic nuns and fathers?

https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-index-the-names-of-catholic-nuns-and-fathers

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The 'long and the short of it' ...

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The Choice is yours ...

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If you wish ...

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In the "Name" field, in the "Vitals" Section, in "Family Tree" of 'FamilySearch', for those (of ANY note) who are entitled, whose "Name", includes that of either or both a "Title" or "Suffix" [ie. "Pre or Post - Nominal Letters" ( also called, "Pre or Post - Nominal Initials"; or, "Pre or Post - Nominal Titles"; or, "Designatory Letters")]; THEN, you certainly CAN include "Title"; and/or, "Suffix" [ie. "Pre or Post - Nominal Letters" ( also called, "Pre or Post - Nominal Initials"; or, "Pre or Post - Nominal Titles"; or, "Designatory Letters")], if you wish.

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Whereas ...

If you prefer ...

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In the "Name" field, in the "Vitals" Section, in "Family Tree" of 'FamilySearch', you do not have to include, "Titles"; and/or "Suffixes", if you do not want to.

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Now ...

That said ...

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Obviously, there will be differences of opinion, between Users/Patrons; as, to whether or not, to include, ACTUAL "Titles"; and/or "Suffixes", in the "Name" field, in the "Vitals" Section, in "Family Tree" of 'FamilySearch'.

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Such differences of opinion can and should (hopefully - but, not always) be worked out amicably through "Collaboration" - Good Luck, on that.

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Again, just my thoughts.

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Brett

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ps: Sometimes you DO; and, sometimes you DO NOT ...

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