Genealogy records frequently employ abbreviations, which can be perplexing to those unfamiliar with family history research. These abbreviations, historically used to conserve space in documents, are integral to the accurate interpretation of genealogical records. Mastery of these shorthand notations is essential for anyone serious about tracing their lineage.
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Common abbreviations in dates
- b. - born
- d. - died
- m. - married
- ca. (or c.) - circa (about/around)
- bp. - baptism or baptized
- bur. - buried
- aft. - after
- bef. - before
Abbreviations for relationships and titles
- w/o - wife of
- h/o - husband of
- s/o - son of
- d/o - daughter of
- g.s. - grandson
- g.d. - granddaughter
- b/o - brother of
- sis/o - sister of
- unm. - unmarried
- wid. - widow or widower
Abbreviations for locations
- Co. - County
- Twp. - Township
- St. - Street
- Par. - Parish
- Co. (for countries) - Country
- Ct. - Court
- P.O. - Post Office
- c/o - care of (often used in addresses)
Occupational abbreviations
- Lab. - Laborer
- Far. - Farmer
- Mer. - Merchant
- Carp. - Carpenter
- Blksm. - Blacksmith
- Shoem. - Shoemaker
- Schm. - Schoolmaster
- Dr. - Doctor
- Rev. - Reverend
Abbreviations for record types
- Cen. - Census
- Will. - Will or Testament
- Prob. - Probate
- Deed. - Deed
- Obit. - Obituary
- M.I. - Monumental Inscription
- Reg. - Register
- Appr. - Apprentice or apprenticeship
Miscellaneous abbreviations
- Yr. - Year
- Do. - Ditto (used to indicate the same information as above)
- N.D. - No date
- N.O.K. - Next of kin
- Est. - Estate
- Int. - Interest (often financial)
- Nat. - Naturalized
- Pet. - Petition
- Sr. - Senior
- Jr. - Junior
Tips for understanding and using abbreviations in genealogy research
- Context is key: Abbreviations can vary by region, time period, and even by the individual who recorded the information. Always consider the context in which an abbreviation is used.
- Use reference materials: Keep a reference guide or glossary of common genealogical abbreviations handy while researching. Many online genealogy websites and books offer comprehensive lists of abbreviations.
- Look for patterns: Sometimes abbreviations follow a pattern. For instance, many abbreviations for relationships end in "/o" (e.g., s/o for son of, d/o for daughter of).
- Be cautious with assumptions: Avoid making assumptions about an abbreviation's meaning. If uncertain, consult additional records or sources to confirm the interpretation.
- Cross-Reference with other records: When an abbreviation is unclear, cross-reference with other documents from the same time period or location to find similar abbreviations and their meanings.
Learn more about Abbreviations Used in Genealogy Records
- Genealogy Glossary: Common Genealogy Terms Explained on the MyHeritage Knowledge Base
- Deciphering Old Handwriting: Paleography Strategies and Tips on the MyHeritage Knowledge Base
- Abbreviations & Acronyms for Genealogy on Geni
- A Genealogist’s Guide to Old Latin Terms & Abbreviations on GenealogyBank
- City Directory Abbreviations - GenealogyInTime Magazine
- Genealogy Abbreviations on RootsWeb
- List of First Name Abbreviations on GenealogyInTime Magazine
- List of Occupation Abbreviations on GenealogyInTime Magazine
- What Do All Those Letters Mean? Abbreviations, Acronyms, Initialism, Post Nominals, and Credentials Used in Genealogy on National Genealogical Society