For the early generations, I generally use the most common spelling, since the same family surname is frequently spelled multiple ways in the contemporary records of the day. In such a case we do not know how the family really wanted it spelled. I sometimes use as a guide the spelling Torrey uses in his New England Marriages Prior to 1700 volume. For later generations, for which we have vital records, I use the spelling the individual family members have used. Living people are likely to be annoyed if you do not use the spelling they have adopted. You are likely not going to find a perfect solution. Margaret Scheffler ----- Original Message ----- From: "Yvonne Bennett" <yvonne@monmouth.com> Subject: [FO] Surname Spelling ? > How do some of you deal with multiple spellings of the same surname? I have one name "Covenhoven" spelled Van Covenhoven, Van Couvenhoven, Couwenhoven, Kovenhoven, Kouvenhoven, etc. and finally Conover. It's all the same family, just depended on who was doing the spelling or writing! I am having trouble finding the right person sometimes ....