Exploring the Challenges of Mistranscribed Surnames in Genealogy Research

Sometimes, exploring one's ancestry is similar to solving a puzzle, with every document and record providing hints about the past. Genealogy research becomes even more challenging when transcriptions contain errors or names are misspelled, adding an extra layer of complexity to discovering family connections.

Herman Louis Sviridow, a Russian immigrant serves as a perfect example of the challenges faced by genealogists.

Herman left behind an extensive paper trail of records spanning almost forty years while living in America. These documents were useful in constructing a narrative of his life during that time period; however, finding these records was often difficult due to inconsistencies in the spelling of his surname.

Locating Herman's records required creativity. When basic searches didn't work due to the misspelling of his name, alternative methods were necessary. This involved cross-referencing different sources and using various search terms. Despite the challenges, it eventually led to uncovering some previously unknown information.

Herman’s story begins with his immigration to the United States in 1903. Given the name Herman Louis Sviridow, the identity provided by his grandson for my research, I set out to uncover his story. As part of the investigation, it was suspected that his given name in the old country might be Leib, based on how he was recorded on his brother’s ship manifest. With this clue in mind, Herman’s record was found by setting the parameters to search the full month of November, in the year 1903, for males born in Russia between the ages of 20-24. A record of interest for Lieb Smiclowski showed up at Ancestry’s website. Next, using the Gold Form at SteveMorse.org, to connect to Ellis Island records, a slightly different name, Lerb Swisedowaki was found.

The discovery of Herman's ship record shed light on his immigration journey. After leaving his hometown of Nevel, Russia, he traveled to Germany. There, he boarded a ship named the SS Friedrich der Grosse at the port of Bremen. He arrived in New York City, his final destination, on November 4, 1903, under his birth name, Leib Sviridowski.

The following image, found at Ancestry.com is the indexed record for Leib Sviridowski.

The entry below was found using the Ellis Island Passengers Gold Form found here.

The original handwritten entry of his name is below, followed by an image of the full ship manifest. The document confirms Herman’s arrival date and shows that he departed from Bremen, Germany, on October 24th. However, discrepancies emerge upon closer examination. His birth town was transcribed as Vewel instead of Nevel, and his arrival date was mistakenly indexed as one day later than noted on his naturalization form, which was used in the initial search.

By 1905, Herman was using the name Herman Sviridow, as indicated in that year’s New York state census. However, the way his name was written could be misinterpreted, leading to variations such as Sviridou. This transcription error is evident in the next two images.

The following chart shows additional records found for Herman. Starred items indicate an incorrectly spelled surname.

Variations of surname spellings in historical records as well as mistakes in transcribing these records can occur due to several reasons:

1. Handwriting Interpretation: Many historical records were handwritten, which can be difficult to read accurately, especially if the handwriting is old, faded, or otherwise illegible. Transcribers may misinterpret certain letters or words, leading to errors in transcription.
2. Transcription Errors: Transcribing large volumes of historical documents is a daunting task, and despite efforts to ensure accuracy, errors can occur. Transcribers may inadvertently type the wrong letters or misspellings, leading to inaccuracies in names. Both human and computer errors contribute to the mix of surname errors.
3. Phonetic Spelling: Many historical records were transcribed based on how names sounded rather than their standardized spelling. Different accents, dialects, and pronunciations could lead to variations in how surnames were recorded.
4. Illiteracy: In the past, not everyone was literate, and even those who could read and write might not have been particularly skilled. This could lead to errors when recording names, as individuals might spell them based on their pronunciation or personal interpretation.
5. Migration and Immigration: When people migrated to new countries or regions, their surnames might have been spelled differently by officials or individuals unfamiliar with their language or naming patterns. This could lead to variations in spelling as names were adapted to fit the linguistic norms of the new location.
6. Intentional Changes: Sometimes individuals or families intentionally changed the spelling of their surname for various reasons, such as to assimilate into a new culture or simply as a personal preference.

Overall, these factors contribute to the wide range of surname spellings found in historical records, making it important for genealogists and researchers to be flexible and creative in their searches when tracing family histories.

To navigate such challenges, genealogists can:

1. Cast a Wide Net: Try different surname variations during searches.
2. Utilize Wildcard Searches: Use wildcard search options on genealogy websites.
3. Review Original Documents: Examine original documents when possible.
4. Cross-Reference Multiple Sources: Compare information from various records.

Herman's story highlights the challenges and rewards of genealogical research. With patience, creativity, and thoroughness, we can uncover the rich tapestry of our family histories. If you need assistance in tracing your ancestry, my services are tailored to help you navigate these challenges. Together, let's uncover the fascinating stories and connections within your unique heritage.

About the author:

Wendy Werner is a family history researcher with a passion for helping others locate their roots. She has eighteen years of genealogy research experience.

You can email Wendy at: gentrees@live.com

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