Whether a name matches depends on more than the exact same spelling. It is only in recent times when consistent spelling has become important. When trying to determine if a name could be the “same,” consider spelling and pronunciation alternates and variations. Your ancestor’s name probably will not be spelled the exact same way in every document. You should look at other identifiers in the record (if they are given), such as age, ethnicity, social status, marital status, occupation, etc.
Never look at just the name if you can avoid it and never “throw out” a potential match without good reason.
No responses yet