Should I change a Surname

Question

Hi,

I found a genealogy site about Jehan and Perrine Thériault. made by a direct relative who apparently has/had access to many documents. He lists the variations of the surname but explains why each person has the particular variation, mainly based on documentation.

Should I change the names to what he states they are or just add the variations and a  source link to the names I have?

thank you

Answer 1

Melissa, we try hard here to use the surnames used by our ancestors during their life times.  Therefore we prefer original sources from their era.

Comments

I understand that. So are you saying that if I had the documents I should change it or that his documents don't matter?

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Sources are paramount. It might be good idea to go looking for some to corroborate what was on that tree. Some genealogy trees do not have very good proof. I have seen one that when you click the link you go to another user generated tree,the another until finally you are back where you started!

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Depends on the quality of the doc(s).  And, if it's pre 1700, you should discuss with PMs and whatever project is involved.