I've noticed a recent change to the place name hierarchy for the region of Germany in which many of

Richard Otter

I've noticed a recent change to the place name hierarchy for the region of Germany in which many of my ancestors lived.

Two examples-

old-

• Oberschwarzach, Oberschwarzach, Schweinfurt, Unterfranken, Bayern, Deutschland
• Waldzell, Steinfeld, Main-Spessart, Unterfranken, Bayern, Deutschland

 

new-

• Oberschwarzach, Oberschwarzach, Schweinfurt, Bayern, Deutschland
• Waldzell, Steinfeld, Main-Spessart, Bayern, Deutschland

 

Is this explained anywhere?

 

The shorter names gives enough detail so that the place is unambiguous, and shorter is generally better. However, the districts mentioned, Main-Spessart and Schweinfurt, are rather newly organized. The removed region, Unterfranken, has been around much longer.

 

Are place names in FS moving toward modern name hierarchies? Or are historical names still used?

Teeples Jeanine Cardon1

Richard, your question has been added to our Authorities Team queue, and will be answered as soon as possible. We will let you know when it is completed.

Best regards,

Authorities Team

Richard Otter

I have not yet received a response.

My query is not a complaint, but a question as to future directions in place naming policies.