They Haven't Disappeared - A Practical Genealogist's Guide to Names That Change in the Records

Struggling to find an ancestor who seems to have disappeared from the records?

Sometimes the person you're looking for hasn't disappeared at all. They may simply be recorded under a different name.

Names change, spellings vary, nicknames replace formal names, and historical records don't always contain the information we expect.

Drawing on more than 40 years of family history research, Sharon Gwatkin explores the many ways names can change in historical records and shares practical techniques to help you recognise variations and search more effectively.

Inside this guide, you'll discover:

• Why names and spellings change between records
• How nicknames, pet names and diminutives can conceal familiar ancestors
• The influence of Latin, dialect and regional naming traditions
• Welsh and Scottish naming conventions
• How surnames change through migration, handwriting and transcription
• An A–Z forename research reference
• The 10-level Name Ladder — a systematic approach to searching
• Worked examples, practical checklists and quick-reference guidance

Whether you're relatively new to family history or have been researching for years, this guide offers fresh ideas for approaching those frustrating gaps in your family tree.

First Edition · 2026 · 23 pages · Digital PDF

Written and researched by Sharon Gwatkin

Stories in the Branches

£7.99 — Instant digital download

Not sure whether it's right for you? Download the free sample to explore the contents and read selected sections before purchasing.