User:RiverStyx23/Surnames

In most cases, where lists of persons are ordered alphabetically, the general convention of sorting on the person's surname is both obvious and easy. In certain cases, however, special attention should be taken. The following method is suggestion:


 * General Rule. In all cases follow the personal preference of the person named, if it is known. Sort on the person's surname, regardless of whether the entry is GivenName Surname or Surname, GivenName


 * Compound Names
 * Where the surname has a split particle, such as, for example, van Beethoven, de los Santos , or La Fortier , alphabetize on the primary portion following the space. The "primary potion" is the first capitalized word. In these examples, one would alphabetize on the B , S ,and L respectively.


 * Where the surname has a particle which is not split, such as, for example, MacPherson and O'Grady, follow the same rule and alphabetize on the primary portion following the space. The "primary potion" is the first capitalized word. In these examples, one would alphabetize on the V and O respectively.


 * Where a person uses a compound name joined by a hyphen, follow the same rule and alphabetize on the primary portion following the space. Thus, Kevin Smith-Jones would be alphabetized on the S.


 * Where a person uses a compound name not joined by a hyphen, follow the same rule and alphabetize on the primary portion following the space. Thus, Kevin Smith Jones would be alphabetized on the J.


 * Exception: Spanish names should, almost without exception, be alphabetized according to the father's part of the surname, not the mother's, unless the person is known to use only the second portion as the surname.


 * Monarchs. Monarchs (including Popes) should be referred to and alphabetized according to their "official" name, e.g. Henry VIII, or George III.


 * Nobility. Immediate members of a royal family should be treated the same way, e.g., Charles, Prince of Wales . To avoid confusion, however, more distant members of royal families, and those bearing titles of peerage, should be identified by their personal name followed by their title, e.g. Edward George Nicholas Paul Patrick, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent

These rules should, of course, be tempered by common sense, giving first priority to known preferences and family tradition, followed by consistence within the article.

Refernces

First draft by kcylsnavS 23:48, 7 June 2010 (UTC)