When searching for an individual on Scotland’s People, you may see several potential matches.

A birth or marriage record may be indexed under more than one surname. This means that the surname displayed in the search results may not always match the surname shown on the original record.

In most cases, the surname shown in the search results matches the surname you searched for. However, the surname recorded on the original record can be different from both the surname you searched for and the surname in the results list.

Why surnames can be different

This happens when a record is indexed under an associated surname linked to the person.

Most commonly, this happens when the person’s mother has been recorded under more than one surname during her lifetime.

For example, a child born to unmarried parents may have their birth registered under the father's surname, such as Smith. The record may also appear in search results under MacDonald if that is the mother's maiden surname.

A record may appear under a stepfather's surname if the mother remarried and that surname is associated with her on official records.

Records about a woman may be indexed under her maiden surname as well as any married surnames recorded for her. This allow the same record to be found under different surnames used during her lifetime.

Narrow your options

Where several possible matches are returned, the Refine Search option can be used to narrow the results. This will reduce your likelihood of selecting and paying to view a record that is not the one you’re looking for.

Original records are not changed

It is important to note that while a record may appear in search results under an associated surname, the name on the original record has not been altered. The record remains exactly as it was originally registered.

The associated surname search feature was introduced following feedback from researchers.

They told us they were sometimes uncertain of the surname under which a person’s record was registered, but knew a surname associated with the individual through a parent. Including associated surnames in the search index helps users identify relevant records that might otherwise be missed.