Why Should You Consider Alternative Spellings When Searching Records?

In searching for my great-great-grandfather, I was convinced I had all the right details. His name was Jacob Steinmann; family stories said he was a German immigrant from Mainz; and he arrived in the U.S. through Ellis Island in the late 1800s. But no matter where I looked — census records, passenger lists, even military drafts — I kept hitting a dead end. It wasn’t until I came across an old shipping manifest with the name “Jakob Stinman” that I realized my mistake. 

A simple spelling variation had kept me from uncovering an entire branch of my family tree.

Genealogical records are full of alternative spellings, and if you’re searching for an ancestor, you’ll likely encounter name variations that can make or break your research. Whether due to human error, translation differences, or historical inconsistencies, alternative spellings are a common challenge in family history research. 

Understanding how names change over time—and how to adjust your search methods — can help you uncover ancestors you never even knew existed.

» Unlock new family connections

Why Do Names Change in Historical Records?

Historical records reflect how fluid names can be, making flexibility essential when searching for family history. Names were often written down as they were heard, which often led to inconsistencies across different documents. With that, it’s important to keep in mind:

• Spelling was inconsistent in the past: Before standardized spelling became common, clerks, census takers, and even family members often wrote names phonetically, leading to variations.
• Immigration and language barriers: Many names were altered upon arrival in a new country due to pronunciation differences or mistakes by officials.
• Clerical errors: Handwritten documents and transcription errors mean records can be full of misspellings.
• Anglicization and cultural adaptation: Some families changed their names to blend in, such as “Schmidt” becoming “Smith” or “Ó Súilleabháin” becoming “Sullivan.”

How to Search for Alternative Spellings

Various methods can help uncover hidden ancestors who may have been overlooked due to name changes. If you’re struggling to find a relative, consider:

• Using wildcard searches: Wildcard symbols like “*” or “?” can account for variations (e.g., searching “St*nman” instead of “Steinmann”).
• Trying phonetic matching: Names were often recorded based on sound, so tools like soundex algorithms can help find similar-sounding names.
• Looking at name variations by region: Different countries had different naming customs, so a surname in Poland might be spelled differently than its German or Russian counterpart.
• Checking handwritten records manually: Transcriptions can introduce errors, so viewing original documents might reveal the correct name.

Real-Life Examples of Name Variations in Genealogy

• Ellis Island name changes? Contrary to popular belief, immigration officers didn’t officially change names at Ellis Island. However, names (like my great-great-grandfather’s) were often recorded incorrectly in ship manifests, making it essential to search for variations.
• Family records may not be consistent. A relative may have used different spellings throughout their life. Census records, marriage certificates, and obituaries sometimes list the same person under slightly different names.
• Nicknames and abbreviations matter. Many records list people by shortened versions of their names (e.g., “Wm” for William or “Lizzie” for Elizabeth), which can complicate searches.
• Names often change. Many names were adapted due to cultural transitions, immigration, or clerical mistakes. Additionally, recordkeepers sometimes spelled names phonetically, translated them to the local language, or simply miswrote them.

» Dive deeper into other common genealogy roadblocks and solutions

Refining Your Search for Greater Success

By broadening your search techniques, you increase the chances of uncovering long-lost relatives and filling in the missing pieces of your family tree. Sometimes, a small adjustment in your approach can make all the difference.

• Search in multiple databases: Records are stored differently across platforms, and what’s missing from one may appear in another.
• Ask family members for alternative spellings: Older relatives might remember variations that never made it into official records.
• Compare different document types: A census may spell a name one way, while a birth record uses another version.
• Use Soundex or fuzzy spelling tools: these algorithms help identify names that sound alike by may have been recorded differently due to spelling variations. 
• Be persistent: Sometimes, finding an ancestor requires thinking outside the box and searching with every possible variation.

Don’t Let Spelling Stop Your Search

If I had given up after failing to find “Jacob Steinmann,” I would never have discovered my great-great-grandfather’s full story. A small spelling difference led to a breakthrough that connected me to generations of family history.

Names change over time, but the people behind them remain the same. By considering alternative spellings, you open doors to ancestors you may have never heard about, connections you may have never imagined, and stories you may have never known.

» Start searching with name variations today and uncover more of your family’s past.