| TIP OF THE WEEK — USE AI TO GENERATE NAME VARIANTS By Susan Aumaier A missing ancestor might not be missing. The name may simply have been recorded—or indexed—differently.AI can help you generate name variations to try in your own searches. Instead of asking:“Find Jeremiah Lynch in Virginia. “Try:“I’m searching for Jeremiah Lynch in Virginia records between 1780 and 1820. Generate a list of possible variants for his given name and surname, including spelling and phonetic variations, nicknames, abbreviations, and variants caused by difficult handwriting, transcription, or indexing errors. Include spellings that might result from a clerk recording the name as it sounded. These are search possibilities only; don’t assume they refer to the same person. “Important Note: If your ancestor was an immigrant, add the country of origin and ask AI to include original-language forms, Anglicized versions, and spellings an English-speaking clerk might have used.Review the list, then try promising variants in genealogy databases, newspapers, archive catalogs, and indexes. Use wildcards when the database permits them.The goal isn’t for AI to determine the “correct” spelling or identify your ancestor. It’s to expand your search beyond the name you already know. Remember, AI is a research assistant, not a genealogical source. Its suggestions are possibilities to investigate, not evidence. Verify record availability and examine the records yourself. Join SGS Today* to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page. DONATE TO SGSYour donations represent a significant part of the SGS budget. Your continued generosity helps us increase our financial security and expand our services for everyone. We make it easy for you to contribute appreciated stock from your portfolio. We have a brokerage account established and ready to receive your donation from any firm. For details, write treasurer@seagensoc.org. For questions about our needs and our vision, write president@seagensoc.org. | |
| November 1, 2026 SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews! forward this email to a friend | |