What’s in a name?
When you start tracing your family history, one challenge you might face is the variation in the spelling of names. You may have expected to find a consistent family surname passed down through generations, but you find multiple spellings—even for the same person! This can make the task of tracing ancestors both confusing and fascinating.
In my own family research, I’ve encountered several variations of the surname “Mazlin.” The different spellings I’ve found include Maslin, Marslin, Mwesling, Mesling, Messling, and even Mefsling, the spelling Governor Macquarie used when he granted an Absolute Pardon to my material 3rd Great Grandfather. Understanding why these variations exist can help us work through the challenges they pose and enrich our understanding of our family history.
Why Do Names Change?
There are several reasons why the spelling of a name might change over time, and it often comes down to the historical context in which the records were created. Here are some of the key factors:
1. Literacy Levels: In the 18th and 19th centuries, many people could not read or write. When officials recorded names, they often relied on phonetic spelling—writing down names as they heard them. Depending on the official’s literacy or how they interpreted the accent, a name could be spelled differently. My ancestor, Thomas Mazlin, was recorded under several different names because those writing down his details were guessing the spelling.
2. Regional Dialects and Accents: Names can sound very different depending on regional accents. The name “Maslin” might have sounded like “Mwesling” to someone unfamiliar with the speaker's accent, resulting in a different spelling.
3. Record-Keeping Practices: Official records such as census entries, baptismal records, and ship manifests were kept by many different people over time. Each person had their own way of documenting information, and no standardized spelling for names existed. No wonder that my Third Gret Grandfather was recorded in different documents—such as his conviction, transportation records, and later records in Australia—with documents that showed a different spelling.
4. Changes in Language Over Time: Language evolves, and so do the conventions around spelling. In earlier periods, there was often more fluidity in the spelling of names. As literacy rates rose and standardization became more critical, variations in spelling began to reduce, but many older records still reflect that inconsistency.
The Impact on Family Research
These variations in names can make family history research challenging. You may miss records if you are only looking for one version of a name, and you may also find unrelated people who seem to share your ancestor’s name due to variations.
In my research, I needed to look for Thomas Maslin under all the different names I could think of—Mazlin, Mesling, Marslin—to be sure I was tracking the right person. Sometimes, I found records that opened up new lines of research, while at other times, I hit dead ends.
In the next post, I’ll share some strategies for dealing with these challenges and ensuring you can piece together your family’s history despite the name changes.
