The "maiden name" box can be added to the transcription form by clicking on the form settings button and choosing "maiden name" to add to the form. Once added it will appear between the given name and family name box.
- A maiden name is the family name that a married woman used from birth, prior to its being legally changed at marriage.
- Enter maiden names as they appear. Do not correct misspellings.
- If you cannot read portions of the maiden name, just enter what you see and leave the rest blank. Do not add question marks “?” or dots “. . . “.
- If no maiden name is listed, leave the maiden name field blank. Do not enter words such as “null” or “none”.
- If you know the maiden name, and it is not written on the stone, place where the information was obtained in the notes box.
- If you see a middle name and are uncertain as to whether or not it is the maiden name, type it as it is written on the stone in the given names box.
Important facts to note when transcribing:
- Countries handle maiden names in many different ways. In some countries the name at birth is used throughout a woman's life, in other countries once married, a woman adopts her husband's surname.
- The term "Née" found on many headstones, under a woman's name, refers to the maiden name of an individual.
- If it looks like there are multiple last names after a woman's name, she may have been married multiple times. Unless you know for certain which name is the maiden name, it is best to place all the names in the given names box.
How do I do this?
Scenario One: The maiden name is clearly written on the stone
Step 1: To add a maiden name to the form, click on the "add more information" box. Once the maiden name box is chosen, it is added between the given names and the family names box. To add the maiden name box permanently to the transcription form during this session, choose maiden name in the "form settings" box. Once the maiden name is chosen, it will appear between the given name and the family name box.
Step 2: Type in the maiden name as it is written on the stone.
Step 3: Select the tab button to advance to the next field on the transcription form.
Scenario Two: The maiden name is not on the stone, but as a photographer, member of the family, or genealogist you know the name for certain. (No Guessing Allowed)
Step 1: To add a maiden name to the form, click on the "add more information" box. Once the maiden name box is chosen, it is added between the given names and the family names box for this form only. To add the maiden name box permanently to the transcription form during this session, choose maiden name in the "form settings" box. Once the maiden name is chosen, it will appear between the given name and the family name box.
Step 2: Type in the maiden name that you have researched.
Step 3: Type your sources of information into the “Notes/Additional Information” field. Here are some examples of acceptable sources: MyHeritage, FamilySearch, obituaries, and government vital records. (Find A Grave will not be accepted as a data source since it does not meet genealogical standards.)
Note: If your sources of information are not entered into the "Notes/Additional Infomation" field, the data may be deleted during 2nd Pass transcriptions.
Step 4: Select the tab button to advance to the next field on the transcription form.
Scenario Three: There are multiple surnames on the stone.
Step 1: To add a maiden name to the form, click on the "add more information" box. Once the maiden name box is chosen, it is added between the given names and the family names box. To add the maiden name box permanently to the transcription form, choose maiden name in the "form settings" box. Once the maiden name is chosen, it will appear between the given name and the family name box.
Step 2: Type in all of the surnames in the given name box, unless you know which one is the maiden name FOR CERTAIN.
Step 3: Select the tab button to advance to the next field on the transcription form.