Same-Named People in Genealogy Research

While researching old records, you’re bound to run across the issue of finding the same name for different people at some point. How can you tell if a series belongs to the same person? Or do they belong to more than one person by the same name?

Here are some ways to distinguish between similar individuals in records:

• When you come across the same name, learn everything you can from the record trail leading to your ancestor. Record trails usually work backward in time: you often first encounter relatives in records created later in their lives. But sometimes you’ll have to look across a person’s lifespan to make sense of what you see.

• Try to determine who provided critical information, the informant, in each record. An informant’s probable reliability depends on the likelihood that they would have firsthand knowledge of a piece of information.

• Research and compare all records that seem to pertain to this name. If they belong to different people, you will likely see patterns that help you group the records by person, such as a specific relationship or similar birth information. A second marriage could allow for discrepancies if similar but apparently conflicting records end up belonging to the same person.

• Be aware that names might be spelled differently across the generations. Consider all possible variations of the spelling.

• Also, be aware that many families repeat given names across generations. This can help identify family lines.

• Pay close attention to the location and time period of each record.

• Create a fact sheet for each individual that contains all the information you have uncovered. Include the sources for this information.

If you are at your wits' end with a particular ancestor, feel free to reach out for assistance. I will gladly help you with your research.

#laureljonescountylibrary #laurelmississippi #genealogy #hometown #familyheritage