arturoramos2,

Thursday, February 16, 2006, 8:53:26 PM, you wrote:

> Yolanda:

> I guess the answer to your question depends on the software that
> you are using.  I use an online database called The Next Generation
> that allows you to enter the "DE" or "DE LOS" or "DE LA" in a
> seperate field from the main surname such that when you search or
> sort by surname these are not taken into account.

> When I import the GEDCOM from this software into PAF, I get the
> same problem that you do... a bunch of people end up under the
> letter "D" and I forget to look for them there.

> I definitely like entering the name as it appears... for example a

Yolanda:
  I use The Master Genealogist, which when customized also allows
  entering the "pre-surname" in a separate field that isn't considered
  when the names are sorted. Thus, de la Cruz and Cruz sort together.
  I would normally say that you should enter the names as you find
  them, but the trouble is, the same name is often (usually) found in
  many variations throughout a person's life, depending on who is
  doing the recording. So it makes sense to me to use a standardized
  spelling and in your SOURCE information make it clear how the name
  actually appeared.

  Not only are there problems with pre-surnames like DE or DE LA etc.,
  but also with spelling variations -- Jiménez and Ximénez, Váladez
  and Báldez, Zamarripa and Samarripa to name a few. The are so many
  variations of some names that do NOT normally sort together, that
  using a standardized form makes sense. I don't know if your software
  allows you to enter more than one name set for a person, but if it
  does, entering a standardized spelling in addition to the most usual
  characteristic form for that person can be beneficial.

  One of the most interesting names in my research is de Lara, often
  written just Lara, and originally de la Ara.
  
  Then there is the question of what to do with the mother's maiden
  name in those families where it is traditional to include that after
  the father's surname. Some software provides fields which can be
  customized for that purpose. Or what about the use of "de" names in
  those instances where it implies a woman's husband's name. I gotta
  say, the many forms that Mexican names take is part of the challenge
  that makes Mexican genealogy interesting!
  


Best regards,
 Stuart                            mailto:stuarta@...