Surname Plural Form & Proper Citation
From: amcoke@nmia.com
DearMYRTLE,
Could you please explain exactly how to write the plural forms for surnames? I am sure that it's incorrect when referring to the group of
"JOHNSON" family members to refer to them as "Johnson's," this being the possessive form.
I have an ongoing argument about my belief that the Johnson family should be called "JOHNSON," using the plural form. I realize that when
the surname ends in an "S," such as "LEEDS," there may be confusion regarding the use of a plural form. What, if any, are the rules
governing such citations?
DearAMCOKE,
You have brought up one of my pet peeves... the incorrect use of the apostrophe, that, you correctly state, denotes
possession.
Implying ownership:
Johnson's goat |
For this reason it is also incorrect to use an apostrophe to indicate the years in the 19th century as the 1800's.
It should be written:
1800s. |
When it comes to discussing a bunch of folks by the name Johnson, living in the same area it is "technically" correct to refer to them as "The Johnsons."
HOWEVER, you run a big risk of inadvertently prompting others to lose sight of how to spell the surname. Over time, people may think the surname is spelled with the "S" at the end. For example, you've heard of the following legitimate surnames:
Wood Woods
Leed and Leeds
Warner and Warners
Mill and Mills |
For this reason I believe family historians should be most diligent in using the name as it appears in a document, and use other words to describe the size of the group. For instance:
There are enough surname spelling challenges without adding an easily
misunderstood "S".
Myrt :)
DearMYRTLE,
Daily Genealogy Columnist
AOL Keyword: gf, roots or myrtle
www.DearMYRTLE.com
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