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How would i add, change family members that changed their first and last names to my tree

Cory_Sacca
Cory_Sacca ✭
March 4, 2024 edited December 12, 2024 in Family Tree

I have a grandfather that ran off with his wife's sister, my great aunt. They changed their names, not legally, and They were married under the aliases. They had several children also.

How would i enter their names in my tree? Would i change their names at birth, or add the aliases?

Very confusing, hopefully someone has came across this??

Thank You

Cory

0

Best Answers

  • Áine.ní.Donnghaile
    Áine.ní.Donnghaile ✭✭✭✭✭
    March 4, 2024 edited March 4, 2024 Answer ✓

    The FSFT (FamilySearch Family Tree) allows you to designate multiple names for any person in the tree.

    image.png

    Under Add Alternate Name, you have multiple options, including Also Known As:

    image.png

    And you have 2,000 characters available to explain.

    3
  • Maile L
    Maile L ✭✭✭✭✭
    March 4, 2024 Answer ✓

    Mod note: Your question was moved from General Questions to the Family Tree category.

    2
  • Gail Swihart Watson
    Gail Swihart Watson ✭✭✭✭✭
    March 4, 2024 Answer ✓

    One thing to consider is which name to most relatives alive today know him as? I believe that when adult ancestors had name changes, you should probably use the name they are remembered by for most living people today. That means there would be no hard and fast rule, you are just trying to make your ancestors easy to identify. The other name should be in the alternate name area, as Áine Ní Donnghaile indicated above.

    2
  • Tiffany Farnsworth Nash
    Tiffany Farnsworth Nash ✭✭✭
    March 4, 2024 Answer ✓

    I like to put the birth name in the Name Event (at least as close as I can) and then put all other names under Alt names. If you put a different name than the father's surname it can be confusing. Be sure to add a good Reason statement whatever you decide.

    1
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