Name Variations and Terminology Guide

Learn how to track spelling changes, "dit" names, phonetic variations, and evolving terminology in Métis family research

Learn how to track spelling changes, "dit" names, phonetic variations, and evolving terminology in Métis family research.

Why Name Variations Matter

Names in Métis records can vary widely due to:

  • Language shifts (French, English, Cree, Michif)
  • Phonetic spellings by clerks and priests
  • Illiteracy of ancestors (names recorded as heard)
  • "Dit" names (secondary surnames identifying family branches or traits)
  • Cultural, religious, or legal name changes
  • Colonial spelling errors or adaptations
Essential Point: Tracking these variations is essential to avoid missing your ancestors in parish registers, censuses, scrip documents, and fur trade records.
1

Spelling Variations and Phonetic Shifts

Beaulieu may appear as:

Bolieu, Bolyeau, Bolio, or Bolyer

L'Hirondelle may appear as:

Lirondelle, Hirondel, Hirondelle, or Herondel

Cardinal may appear as:

Cardinelle, Cardenal, or Cardinall

Dumont may appear as:

Dumond, Dumonde, or Dumount

Morin may appear as:

Maurin, Morain, or Morain(e)

Tip: Write down every spelling you encounter to guide future searches.
2

"Dit" Names and Dual Surnames

"Dit" names are alternate surnames used to distinguish family lines or identify characteristics.

Examples:
Beaulieu dit Sinclair
(may appear under Beaulieu or Sinclair)
Allard dit L'Espérance
(may appear under Allard or L'Espérance)
Fisher dit La Rivière
(may appear under Fisher or La Rivière)
Practical Advice:
  • Always search for both surnames in indexes.
  • Record the "dit" name in your tree for clarity.
  • Note that "dit" may or may not appear in the record (e.g., "Jean Sinclair" instead of "Jean Beaulieu dit Sinclair").
3

Language and Terminology Shifts

Language Considerations:
  • French records use "fils" (son), "fille" (daughter), "époux/épouse" (spouse), and "parrain/marraine" (godparents).
  • English records may use "son of" / "daughter of," or abbreviate names heavily.
  • Cree or Michif may appear in oral histories or as alternate names.
Terminology Over Time:
  • "Half-breed" (historical term) vs. "Métis" (current).
  • "Fils du pays" or "fille du pays" (son/daughter of the country) in fur trade-era documents.
  • "Indienne" or "Sauvage" (outdated terms for Indigenous women in early parish records).
Tip: Understand the time period and context to interpret terminology correctly while using culturally appropriate language today.
4

Recording Variants in Your Research

  • Use a Name Variations Log (download below) to track all variants.
  • Note the source where each variant appears.
  • Use wildcard searches (e.g., "Beaul*" or "Bol*") in digital archives.
  • Record both "official" and "community" names in your notes.

Downloadable Tools

Name Variations Tracking Sheet (Excel)
Download Excel
Name Variations Tracking Sheet (PDF)
Download PDF

Real Research Examples

You find "Pierre Beaulieu" in the 1870 census but "Pierre Sinclair" on a scrip application—likely the same person under the family's "dit" name.

A priest writes "Jean Baptiste Cardinal" as "Jean Bte. Cardenal" in baptism records.

An ancestor's Cree name appears in oral histories but is not recorded in parish registers.

Summary Checklist

  • List every name variant you encounter.
  • Track "dit" names systematically.
  • Consider language, phonetic, and clerical variations.
  • Use context to understand terms historically and culturally.
  • Respect traditional and community-preferred names in your work.

Next Steps

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