Hi Folks In the 1920 Federal Census the initials stands for birth place of the individual on that line, the second stands for birth place of father and the third stands for birth place of mother. Example: KY (Kentucky),VA (Virginia),VA (Virginia). This abbreviation started with the 1880 Federal Census, prior to that the line only indicated birth place of individual on that line1850,1860,1870. I believe you can look in the front of most telephone books in the customer guide section and obtain the abbreviations. If this is not available check with the post office. Joe K.