Variant spellings the rule

You started researching a McCrae ancestor and could not find his name recorded in the county where relatives say he lived. So you searched the state, the nation, even other countries, thinking he must have moved.

M-c-C-r-a-e.

You found Mcraes, McCrays, Mcrays, McCreas, Mcreas and even McCreighs during your search. But you think they couldn't be your ancestors. You say your kin would be found using only McCrae. You insist that considering those with similar last names would be a waste of time.

Actually, genealogy is about researching people, not looking up names. But family historians, unfortunately, sometimes think that if they can't find an ancestor using a specific spelling, the ancestor can't be found.

Some family historians even refer to variant spellings as wrong.

Nearly every genealogist probably has done that at some point.

But neglecting to research variant spellings shortchanges us, living relatives and descendants. Variant spellings are not really the exception; they are the rule.

A family historian could overlook or fail to connect several lines on the family tree by insisting on a certain spelling. They could miss family stories and situations behind a spelling change. Those stories, in turn, could provide more clues about the family's history.

My suggestion is that you begin your research using the spelling that you are familiar with first. And consider giving priority to those based on ethnic and regional preferences.

In every case, consider all the possibilities.

Standardized name spellings were not even tried in many places until well into the 19th century.

A surname might be spelled differently because it was written by someone who learned to spell it differently. It might be spelled phonetically by someone who did not understand your ancestor's accent. It may have been changed by someone, but your ancestors found changing it back more trouble than it was worth.

So, when tracing your family's history, it's best to make a list of the last names involved and the various ways they might be spelled.

Include the common and traditional spellings, as well as ones that are phonetic. Also, include other names that sometimes are confused with the ones in your family.

Again, genealogy is about researching people, not looking up names.

Reach Wevonneda Minis at 937-5705 or wminis@postandcourier.com.