Computers need users to apply certain standardization rules when they enter names, dates, and places. FamilySearch (FS) supports standardization so that users with different languages, history, genealogy, and computer skills can communicate with one another.
For example, after signing in to FS, you are taken immediately to YOUR home page. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the word English:
A window will open where you can select a language:
English-speaking consultants can then help users with different languages because they understand the English templates and are familiar with how FS works.
When you standardize names, dates, and places in FS, the search engine is able to locate sources (Hints) for your ancestors and find duplicates in the system. Duplicates may already contain records (such as home sources) not in FS from other users.
Standardization rules for the United States
- Spell out the months and put them in day, month, and year order: like 5 August 1851.
- Record names a person received as an infant: first given, middle names, last name (no commas in between) like Mary Elizabeth Sweeney
- Record females with their maiden name, not married name.
- Do not enter the surname all in capital letters.
- Use the name of the place at the time of the event.
- Enter the smallest location to the largest location, such as town, county, state and country. Do not enter the word “town,” or the word “county.”
- Do not abbreviate words—enter the full standardized name of the country: not USA, rather United States.
FS is working to connect historic names of places with their modern names, but it needs our help. You can enter places in your native language. However, the database that standardizes places is not yet complete. If you do not see a standardized entry for the place as you enter it, select as specific a standardized place as you can. If you do NOT know the town, don’t start with a comma (like you do on a stand-alone computer program) if the town is missing. Just start with the location you know to see if FS recognizes that location.
Always include the reason for any change you make to family records at FS. When I correct an improperly recorded date or place, I enter “I standardized date and place as requested by FamilySearch.”
While you are at it, you will want to include the source for those dates and places when Hints appear on your person page, by adding the link to the individual(s) to which it pertains.