Full names - When recording names of ancestors (whether it be on your pedigree chart, family group sheet, online family tree, or in notes) write the individual's name in their natural order - first, middle, surname. Always use all given names if you know them. Some genealogists like to print surnames (last names) in upper case to better distinguish them from middle names.

  Nicknames - If a nickname was commonly used for an ancestor, you can include it in quote after their given name. For example: William "Billy" James MOORE.

 Maiden Names - Always enter a married female under her maiden name (her surname at birth) rather than her husband's surname. If you do not know a female's maiden name, you can insert a Mrs. as her title on the chart followed by her first name and her husband's surname. Or you can write her first name followed by a pair of empty parentheses e.g. Mary ( ). If you ever come across a situation where the woman's maiden name is the same as her married name, be sure to note it so as not to later on confuse yourself or other researchers.

 Also Known As - If a person is known by more than one name then include all alternate names in parentheses after the surname. For example, my great grandfather Earl Hugh Talbert was orphaned as a baby and raised by a Mr. and Mrs. Strong. I have found him in records listed with the surname Talbert and Strong so I might list him as: Earl Hugh TALBERT (a.k. Earl Hugh STRONG)

 Alternate Spellings - If you find that an ancestor's surname has changed over time or can be found in records spelled many different ways, you can record those spellings. Record the earliest known usage of the surname first, followed by later spellings e.g. Jennifer Koch/Cook.