Wed, Jan 27, 2021, at 3:54 PM
Beth,
I hope I’m not frustrating you by overthinking this naming question.
First, there are six basic options:
- My original proposal using all derivatives of the surname.
- Use the spelling most likely used at the time of birth.
- Using the oldest surname, i.e., Ilycsik
- Using the Slovak version, i.e., Ilcik
- Using the first surname recorded in America Esik and Ilick as appropriate
- Use today’s spelling, Elcik for the surname, and localized spelling of first names.
I suppose that the answer could vary by generation, but that gives me a headache.
I’m wondering if it is ok to consider our audience and use Elcik and the American spelling of first names for the tree. The rationale would be that the software itself calls the name: the “preferred” name.
The history of the surname could be dealt with three ways:
- LifeStory article
- Notation in the birth, baptismal, or death records as the surname evolves
- Record a research note for each individual
I would do all three and provide you with a copy of the LifeStory article if that’s all you wanted to be done for your copy of the Elcik tree.
What do you think?
John, IV